Man pleads not guilty in strangulation assault case

David Dautel of Kalispell pleaded not guilty to felony partner or family member assault/strangulation on Aug. 2 in Flathead District Court.

According to court documents, Dautel, 53, allegedly strangled a partner or family member on May 27. Dautel and the victim allegedly got into an argument over a cellphone when Dautel threw the victim on the ground and told the victim “you need to die,” strangling her to the point where she blacked out. Police received the report on May 30 and officers observed significant bruising around the victim’s eyes, cheeks, neck area and forearms. The incident was reportedly not the first time Dautel had engaged in this type of behavior, according to court documents, and officers were allegedly provided with text messages and photographs.

If convicted, Dautel could face a maximum sentence of five years in Montana State Prison and a maximum fine of $50,000 in addition to counseling requirements.

A trial has been set for 9:30 a.m. Oct. 10.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.