Cole Jacob : Kalispell Man Sentenced for Indecent Exposure: Legal Consequences Explained

A resident of Kalispell has been handed a 15-year prison sentence by the Polson District Court in Montana, with no time suspended. Cole Michael Jacob, aged 33, was also mandated to attend and successfully complete the state’s sex offender treatment program. This ruling came after Jacob entered an Alford plea to charges of indecent exposure during a change of plea hearing on March 4.

An Alford plea is when the defendant acknowledges the case based on the state’s evidence without admitting guilt.

Court documents reveal that on January 31, 2023, a man reported to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department that a male individual had exposed himself to his 13-year-old daughter the day before.

The daughter recounted that on January 30, 2023, she was walking home from school when a gray car with a black spoiler pulled up next to her on Acre Lawn Court. The driver offered her a ride, which she declined. Despite her refusal, the gray car approached her multiple times. On the third occasion, the driver exposed himself to the girl.

Video surveillance footage from a local school and a nearby business helped identify the car. Following a tip-off, law enforcement located the vehicle in Evergreen. A subsequent anonymous tip directed authorities to the car in Ronan. Jacob was apprehended during a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 93 near mile marker 55; he matched the description provided by the girl and was taken into custody.

In a letter to the court, the victim’s father expressed the lasting impact of the incident on his daughter, noting that she no longer feels secure traveling to and from school.

The prosecution had requested a 20-year prison sentence, while the defense proposed 10 years with six suspended. Initially offered the latter, Jacob declined the agreement. The case proceeded to trial on March 4, with prosecutor Lori Adams of the Lake County Attorney’s Office revealing that Jacob opted for an Alford plea after the omnibus hearing, where trial readiness is confirmed.

At his sentencing, Jacob was credited for 460 days already served in the Lake County Jail. Judge Molly Owen imposed the 15-year term, aligning with the court’s policy on plea agreements and sentencing recommendations.