Trial begins for Helena man charged with sex crime

A trial began Wednesday for a Helena man who was charged with a sexual felony in March 2025.

Gary Carl Swenson's trial was set to begin Tuesday, but was delayed because jury selection took all day. Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Christopher Abbott heard opening arguments on Wednesday morning.

Swenson was charged following a reported sexual assault in March 2025 that was investigated by the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office, according to court documents. A 28-year-old woman reported that Swenson had placed his genitals in her hand while she was sleeping.

According to the charging documents, Swenson told the investigating deputy that he went outside around the time of the alleged sexual assault to find his dogs then returned to the home. Upon returning, he said he saw the victim's phone on the floor, so he picked it up and placed it next to her.

Swenson was arrested for felony sexual assault; he was previously convicted of sexual assault in 1996 and 2006.

Defense attorney Brent Flowers told the jury in opening statements that this was "probably the most uncomfortable trial" they all might sit through due to the "instrument" involved in the alleged assault. He said parts of the case will hinge on the size of Swenson's genitalia.

"It's not pleasant to see it, but again, it's going to be very important to look at it," Flowers told jurors.

The trial is expected to wrap up by Friday.