Kalispell man arrested on rape, abuse charges

A Kalispell man was arrested on charges of rape and sexual abuse of children on May 3 after the father of a 15-year-old girl allegedly discovered an unfamiliar phone in her room.

According to court documents, Hank Coughran Jones, 40, allegedly bought the phone for the girl in June 2016 after her parents took hers.

Her father told authorities he discovered the phone when he heard it ringing from a drawer in his daughter’s room.

The father said he answered the incoming FaceTime call and immediately recognized Jones who quickly hung up. The man allegedly found an extensive messaging history between Jones and his daughter.

After turning the phone over to Whitefish Police, court records state that forensic analysis revealed multiple photos of Jones exposing his genitals sent from his phone as well as naked photos of the girl and photos of she and Jones having intercourse sent between the two phones.

Jones is scheduled for arraignment on May 25.

If convicted, he could face up to life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine for each count.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.