Rape suspect posts bond, arrested same day on additional sexual assault charges

BOZEMAN — A man facing a rape charge in Bozeman posted bond on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 and was later arrested again after a second victim came forward alleging a similar crime.

James Christian Andrew Johnston had his bail set at $200,000 in Gallatin County Justice Court on Tuesday for allegedly raping a woman he met on a dating app on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.

On Thursday, another woman reportedly contacted law enforcement, saying that Johnston raped her on July 7, 2024.

WATCH PREVIOUS REPORT: Man faces rape charge in Bozeman after meeting woman on dating app

According to charging documents, the victim sought medical treatment on July 9 and underwent a sexual assault forensic examination on July 10 but did not want to report the incident to law enforcement at the time. She told police she chose to come forward after seeing Johnston on the news in connection with the Aug. 31 incident.

Charging documents say that, similarly to the alleged rape on Aug. 31, the victim met Johnston on a dating app and initially agreed to consensual sex on July 7. She told police Johnston’s actions exceeded what she had consented to, and Johnston refused to stop after she withdrew consent.

The victim also reportedly sustained physical injuries from the incident.

After Johnston posted bond on Thursday, he allegedly failed to report to pre-trial services to be outfitted with a GPS monitoring device, as required by the conditions of his release.

Charging documents say he was located by police around 4:40 p.m. on Thursday and had shaved his beard and made other efforts to conceal his identity. He was taken into custody and again invoked his Miranda rights, declining to speak with law enforcement or consent to a search of his vehicle or residence.

MTN News

His vehicle has been seized and is being held pending a search warrant. Witnesses also reported seeing Johnston place a garbage bag in the community dumpster at his residence. Police ultimately located and seized the bag that allegedly contained articles of women's lingerie, used injection-type needles, cleaning implements, and an American Airlines plane ticket bearing Johnston's name.

Johnston appeared in Gallatin County Justice Court again on Friday where he was charged with an additional count of sexual intercourse without consent, as well as one count of assault. His bail was set at $1 million.

Prosecutors said in court there is concern Johnston is a flight risk, and efforts are underway to revoke his passport.

Johnston’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 20, 2024.

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