AUGUSTA — A Waterville man accused of breaking into the home of a 73-year-old neighbor and raping her at gunpoint pleaded not guilty Thursday to six charges in Kennebec County Superior Court.
Mark Halle, 32, is charged with two counts of gross sexual assault, burglary, aggravated assault, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon and terrorizing with a dangerous weapon.
During the arraignment at the Capital Judicial Center, Halle told a judge that he understood his rights and the charges against him. He then entered not guilty pleas to the six charges.
The woman he is charged with attacking was in the courtroom Thursday and declined to comment after the hearing.
At a hearing in February, the woman said she was pleased that Halle’s bail had been set at $500,000 and that she was grateful for the support of her family, friends and the community. Halle’s bail conditions were not changed Thursday.
He was arrested in February after the woman reported to police that she had been attacked in her West River Road home in Waterville.
Halle allegedly broke into the home around 5 a.m., awakening the woman. When she went to investigate the noise, she said, he confronted her with what she believed was a handgun, forced her into the bedroom and put a pillow case over her head and assaulted her. Police said he also beat her with the gun. Police later found a pellet gun near the house, which they believe was used in the attack.
Halle is being represented by attorney Pamela Ames and is next scheduled to appear in court June 1.
Rachel Ohm — 612-2368
Twitter: @rachel_ohm
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