Man facing drug charges accused of felony assault

A Kalispell man charged with possessing methamphetamine is back behind bars following accusations he broke a man’s face during a confrontation a day after he was released from jail.

James Anthony Kutch, 21, was booked into the Flathead County Jail on March 25 on charges of felony aggravated assault and violation of release conditions.

Court documents state that on Feb. 22, Flathead County deputies received a report of an assault at a home on East Evergreen Drive. Investigating deputies spoke with the victim at the hospital. The victim alleged Kutch came to his house, started screaming and then punched him in the face twice. The victim alleged Kutch began to walk away, but returned to kick him in the face.

The victim told deputies that he had two fractures in his face that will require plastic surgery.

According to court documents, Kutch admitted to punching the man, but said it was because he was afraid he would be punched first.

Kutch failed to appear for his arraignment on March 14 and a warrant was issued. He is currently being held on a $20,000 bond.

An arraignment is set for April 4 and a jury trial in Flathead District Court is set for April 29.

He faces up to 20 years in the state prison and a $50,000 fine for the assault charge.

A day prior to the alleged Feb. 22 assault, Kutch had pleaded not guilty to a felony drug charge and was released from jail.

In the drug case, court documents state a Kalispell Police Department officer found a methamphetamine pipe in the driver’s-side door of Kutch’s vehicle during a traffic stop on June 11, 2018. During a search, the officer allegedly also found other drug paraphernalia and a pair of brass knuckles.

Kutch entered his not guilty plea to the drug charge on Feb. 21. He faces five years in the state prison and a $5,000 fine for that alleged offense.