C-Falls man sentenced for sexual abuse of a child

A 56-year-old Columbia Falls man who was snared in an online chat room in 2012 has been sentenced to a felony charge of sexual abuse of a child.

The “child” who enticed Alan Burke was a Flathead County sheriff’s detective posing as a 13-year-old girl.

Flathead County District Court Judge Robert Allison sentenced Alan Dale Burke on June 26 to 15 years in prison, all suspended. Burke was also designated a Level 1 sexual offender and ordered to complete Level 1 and 2 sexual offender programs.

According to court documents, Det. Sgt. Jeanne Parker was acting in an undercover capacity in an online chat room when Burke contacted her and asked how old she was. Parker responded by saying 13 years old and asked how old Burke was. He said he was 55.

During subsequent online conversations, Burke allegedly asked Parker how she looked in a swimsuit and what size bra she wore. He also allegedly said he was a “dirty minded old man” and described sex acts he’d like to perform. When Parker asked whether her age would be a problem, Burke allegedly said no.

During the course of the online conversations, Burke allegedly asked about meeting and developing a sexual relationship.

He allegedly told Parker she would be his “sex slave” and would perform sex acts on him and others. He also cautioned Parker to be discreet or he might be arrested and sent to jail.

When Parker made contact with Burke as a sheriff’s officer, Burke allegedly admitted asking about masturbation and directing her to watch pornographic videos.

Burke, who worked as a self-employed contractor and has been in the Flathead for about 15 years, had pleaded guilty to the single felony charge on Jan. 30 and faced up to 100 years or life in prison and a $10,000 fine.