MISSOULA - Lawrence L. Lockard, 67, of Bigfork, was sentenced Friday to 6 months in prison for abusive sexual contact. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen issued the sentence and ordered Lockard to pay $21,872.49 in restitution to the victim. Lockard will also be subject to five years’ supervised release.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Duerk stated in court documents that if called upon to prove its case at trial, the United States would have been prepared to show that Lockard had sexually assaulted a co-worker while on a work related field trip. On September 8, 2015, Lockard and two colleagues began a work related SCUBA diving trip at Quartz Lake, in the northwest portion of Glacier National Park. Lockard and a female co-worker slept in a cabin, while the third co-worker slept outside in a tent to avoid disturbing the others with his sleep apnea.
On the second night of the trip, the female co-worker woke to find Lockard in the bed with her, touching her inappropriately and attempting to remove her clothing. The victim immediately got out of bed, and Lockard returned to his bed. The victim informed him the following day that he never had permission to touch her. Lockard admitted he was aware that the victim was wearing earplugs and had taken sleeping medication. He stated on being interviewed by an NPS special agent that he knew what he did was wrong and knew the victim was asleep during his attempted assault.
Lockard was both the victim’s supervisor and 17 years her senior. The sentence was enhanced because Lockard knew at the time that the victim had been drinking, had taken prescription sleep medication, and was asleep wearing earplugs when he initiated contact. The victim testified that she still suffers from fear, anxiety, and sleeplessness as a result of Lockard’s conduct. Judge Christensen ruled that despite the Defendant’s lack of any criminal history, admirable employment record, and good standing in the community, any type of unsolicited sexual contact is absolutely intolerable.
This case was investigated by National Park Service Special Agent Justin Ivary and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Duerk.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
