Glasgow Man Sentenced On Felony Sex Charge

According to Valley County Attorney Dylan Jensen, Glasgow resident Justice Meland was sentenced in District Court in Glasgow on Oct. 3 after previously pleading guilty to a single count of sexual intercourse without consent.

Judge Yvonne Laird sentenced Meland to 20 years with the Montana Department of Corrections with all but two years suspended. Judge Yvonne Laird also levied a $5,000 fine and recommended he be placed in a facility where he can continue to receive treatment with his current medical providers. He will also have to register as a sex offender however will be designated as a low risk offender.

After the sentencing he was immediately taken into custody and is currently incarcerated in the Valley County Detention Center.

In November 2020, the Glasgow Police Department received a report from a concerned citizen of an alleged ongoing sexual relationship between Meland and a juvenile female. After completing the initial investigation into the report, officers uncovered circumstantial evidence that the allegation had taken place so at that time, the investigation was placed in pending status until more information was determined.

In May 2021, the Glasgow Police Department received new reports that the alleged relationship was still occurring. After completing another in-depth investigation into the allegations, officers submitted a request to the County Attorney’s Office for prosecution. In August 2021, a warrant was issued for Meland out of Valley County District Court for sexual intercourse without consent.