Published • loading... • Updated
Verdict Tossed in Ellsworth Official Misconduct Trial
The court said a trial error tainted the verdict and ordered a retrial after less than 24 hours.
- On Wednesday, Lewis and Clark County District Judge Christopher Abbott vacated former Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth's guilty verdict on a misdemeanor official misconduct charge due to a procedural error involving sealed exhibits.
- Prosecutors previously alleged Ellsworth circumvented competitive bidding requirements when signing two contracts totaling $170,000 with Agile Analytics in December 2024, a company registered to his longtime friend Bryce Eggleston.
- Court staff inadvertently provided jurors sealed emails regarding Eggleston's scheduling during deliberations, a mistake Judge Abbott later described as an error that "the court deeply regrets."
- The Montana Department of Justice confirmed plans to retry the case, with Judge Abbott scheduling new proceedings for December 14, 2026, as officials expressed confidence in securing another conviction.
- Defense attorney Joan Mell plans to seek dismissal before the December trial, arguing Lewis and Clark County lacks proper jurisdiction and that jurors were unfairly prejudiced by the improperly released exhibits.
Insights by Ground AI
22 Articles
22 Articles
The Toronto Star+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Montana Sen. Jason Ellsworth’s guilty verdict thrown out
The guilty verdict in the official misconduct case against former Senate President Jason Ellsworth has been thrown out following revelations that jurors were exposed to sealed exhibits concerning communications with a potential key witness.
·Toronto, Canada
Read Full Article
Associated Press News+5 Reposted by 5 other sources
Montana Sen. Jason Ellsworth's guilty verdict thrown out
The guilty verdict in the official misconduct case against former Senate President Jason Ellsworth has been thrown out following revelations that jurors were exposed to sealed exhibits concerning communications with a potential key witness.
·New York, United States
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources22
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
15%
C 75%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
