Persistent felony offender held on rape charges
courtesy photo
Vaughn David James
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POLSON — A Polson man with numerous felony convictions is back in jail for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman after breaking into a Polson residence in the early morning hours of Sept. 17.
Vaughn David James, 44, Polson, is being held in Lake County Jail on a $250,000 bond, charged with aggravated burglary and sexual intercourse without consent, both felonies.
James has numerous robbery, burglary and theft convictions dating back to 1991.
In June 2007, James allegedly physically assaulted a woman outside of the Sitting Duck bar in Woods Bay, then fled in his car, leading Lake County Sheriff’s deputy on a dangerous high-speed chase. A jury found him guilty of DUI and criminal endangerment and James was sentenced to Montana State Prison as a persistent felony offender for 30 years with 22 suspended.
He appealed the sentence to Supreme Court, which agreed in part with James’ arguments, and ordered James to be immediately released from prison.
Less than two months after being released, he was charged with two misdemeanor assaults for hitting two teenage boys. He appeared in Justice Court and was released; six days later was arrested after allegedly raping a woman in Pablo.
“The defendant has victimized a significant number of people throughout his lifetime,” Probation wrote in a report of violation dated July 2011. “He still possesses an obvious threat to the citizens of our community.”
On the revocation in March 2012, James was sentenced to MSP for two years.
James appeared in Lake County Justice Court last week and is expected to enter a plea in District Court soon on current sexual intercourse without consent charges.
