Judge Tosses Guilty Verdict in Case Against Montana Sen. Jason Ellsworth

Overview

• A Helena jury found Ellsworth guilty of misdemeanor official misconduct after a six-day trial, with the verdict returned late Tuesday following testimony about two December 2024 contracts totaling about $170,000.
• A judge threw out that verdict after court staff inadvertently gave jurors sealed exhibits about scheduling communications with potential witness Bryce Eggleston, which defense lawyers said prejudiced deliberations.
• The contracts at the center of the case were signed for Agile Analytics to track judicial-reform implementation, and prosecutors say the work was split into two agreements and requested upfront payment to avoid required competitive review for contracts over $100,000.
• Prosecutors did not oppose a new trial and the judge set retrial for December, while Ellsworth’s lawyers plan motions arguing jurisdiction and prejudice and may seek dismissal before the case is retried.
• Separate from the criminal case, the Montana Senate’s 2025 disciplinary sanctions against Ellsworth remain in place, and a conviction at retrial could still carry jail time and cost him his seat.