GREAT FALLS – Roberto Salaman Garcia appeared in Justice Court in Great Falls on Friday, charged with assaulting two woman at the Montana State Fair.
Garcia is Thomas Carnival worker who has been accused of sexually assaulting two women while he was on the job as a ride operator.
Garcia pleaded not guilty to two counts of misdemeanor sexual assault.
The first incident was reported Monday night, but another victim came forward since then.
Katie Cunningham, the first victim (who agreed to be named in this case), told officers that she and her daughter were sitting in a car in the “Speedway” ride, and she had already buckled their lap seatbelt and adjusted the tension. The buckle connected on the far side of her daughter, who was seated to the Cunningham’s left.
The woman said that Garcia came to their car and tightened their seatbelt; while doing so, according to Cunningham, Garcia placed his finger directly on her vagina outside of her pants, according to the charging document.
Cunningham told the officer that there “was no way it was an accident,” and explained that in order to come in contact with her vagina, Garcia had to leave the belt loose and reach downward.
Details of the second incident have not yet been released.
We do not yet know if the second person was assaulted before or after the first reported incident.
Bond for Garcia was set at $5,000, and if he is bailed out, he is required to be monitored via GPS.
The judge also said that he cannot obtain a job where he has contact with women or children.
Additional charges against Garcia are expected next week.
(AUGUST 2, 2018) Roberto Salaman Garcia, a Thomas Carnival employee, has been charged with sexually assaulting two women at the Montana State Fair.
He was arrested on Monday after the first incident was reported, and arrested again on Thursday after a second allegation was made.
Katie Cunningham, the first victim (who agreed to be named in this case), told officers that she and her daughter were sitting in a car in the “Speedway” ride, and she had already buckled their lap seatbelt and adjusted the tension. The buckle connected on the far side of her daughter, who was seated to the Cunningham’s left.
The woman said that Garcia came to their car and tightened their seatbelt; while doing so, according to Cunningham, Garcia placed his finger directly on her vagina outside of her pants, according to the charging document.
Cunningham told the officer that there “was no way it was an accident,” and explained that in order to come in contact with her vagina, Garcia had to leave the belt loose and reach downward.
Details of the second incident have not yet been released.
John Hanschen, the president of Thomas Carnival, provided MTN with the following statement:
Thomas Carnival, Inc. operates the carnival midway attractions at the Montana State Fair in Great Falls. The safety and comfort of our patrons is upmost priority. The carnival is staffed by approximately 200 workers. The worker involved in the complaint has worked here for 2 seasons and we have had no complaints or issues with him. His home is Mexico and he possesses a visa to work in the United States. We are continuing to cooperate with the Sheriff’s department as they continue their investigation.
Garcia is charged with two counts of misdemeanor sexual assault.
Garcia has been barred from the grounds of Montana ExpoPark, and he can not leave Cascade County.
