AUGUSTA — The case of a Waterville man accused of raping a 73-year-old woman at gunpoint after breaking into her home is scheduled to go to trial in August, according to his attorney.

However, Mark Halle, 32, also could accept a plea deal from the state that would mean its resolution before the trial starts.

Mark Halle, with his attorney, Pamela Ames, in February, will go to trial in August on charges he attacked a Waterville woman in February if he doesn't accept a plea deal. Halle was in court Wednesday for a dispositional hearing, but no agreement was reached. Staff file photo by Andy Molloy

Halle is charged with two counts of gross sexual assault, burglary, aggravated assault, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon and terrorizing with a dangerous weapon.

He appeared in court Wednesday at the Capital Judicial Center for a dispositional conference.

After the conference, which took place behind closed doors, Halle’s attorney, Pamela Ames, of Waterville, said a trial date was set for August; and in the meantime, she will discuss with Halle a plea offer from the state. “The state just made their offer yesterday, so we need to discuss what his options are,” Ames said.

She would not comment when asked whether she expects the case to go to trial or Halle will accept the state’s offer.

Halle recently had moved in February to Waterville to live with his sister and her children when he allegedly broke into the woman’s home off West River Road, forced her into her bedroom with a handgun and sexually assaulted her.

Police said the attack appeared random. Waterville police Chief Joseph Massey said after the fact that it was a good argument for residents to arm themselves with guns.

Halle pleaded not guilty to the six charges against him at an arraignment last month. He is being held at the Kennebec County jail in lieu of $500,000 cash bail.

Rachel Ohm — 612-2368

rohm@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @rachel_ohm

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