前蒙大拿参议院议长Jason Ellsworth于2026年1月22日表示不服罪,罪名是因一项有争议的2024年合同而受到官方不当行为的轻罪指控。 Jason Ellsworth, former Montana Senate president, pleaded not guilty Jan. 22, 2026, to a misdemeanor charge of official misconduct over a disputed 2024 contract.

2026年1月22日蒙大拿州前参议院议长杰森·埃尔斯沃思以视频方式表示不服罪, 指控他与一名前商业合伙人签订了2024年170 000美元的合同, Former Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth pleaded not guilty by video on January 22, 2026, to a misdemeanor charge of official misconduct over a 2024 $170,000 contract with a former business associate to track judicial reform bills, which prosecutors say violated procurement rules by splitting the contract. Ellsworth否认错失行为,称调查出于政治动机,认为该案件应因立法豁免而被驳回,因为他的行动是其立法职责的一部分。 Ellsworth denies wrongdoing, calling the investigation politically driven and arguing the case should be dismissed due to legislative immunity, as his actions were part of his legislative duties. 他的律师声称,只有参议院可以对他进行纪律处分,并指出,该机构将他从委员会中除名,但允许他继续留任。 His attorneys assert only the Senate can discipline him, noting the body removed him from committees but allowed him to remain in office. Chris Abbott法官驳回了辩方关于推迟对一个轻微引证错误的传讯的请求,裁定其为非重大错误,并设定3月12日为豁免听讯,7月14日为可能进行的陪审团审判。 Judge Chris Abbott rejected a defense request to delay the arraignment over a minor citation error, ruled nonsubstantial, and set a hearing on immunity for March 12 and a potential jury trial for July 14. 检察官尚未对豁免要求作出答复。 Prosecutors have not yet responded to the immunity claims.