North Fork artist paroled in child sex case

A North Fork artist was granted parole by the Montana Parole Board last month in a child sex case.

Ted Ramon, 56, was sentenced to 10 years in prison with four suspended on a single count of sexual abuse of children in October 2014 after Ramon pleaded guilty to the charge in Flathead County Court.

As condition of his parole, Ramon must stay away from drugs and alcohol and places that serve them, is ineligible for the Montana medical marijuana program and cannot be near children. He also has to hold down a job.

Ramon is still in prison until the details of his release can be arranged and his parole could be rescinded if the correct arrangements cannot be made. If the arrangements are made, he could be out in 30 to 60 days.

According to court documents, the sexual abuse incidents occurred between June 1 and July 18, 2011. The young girl, who lived in a house on Ramon’s property 10 miles north of Polebridge, told detectives that Ramon had allegedly showed her pornographic magazines and videos, talked to her about sexual acts, offered her cigars, alcohol and drugs, and told her not to tell anyone about what had happened between them or else he would go to jail.

Ramon’s case garnered protest from some community members because an original plea deal, which was eventually rescinded, would have given Ramon little, if any, prison time.