Points clés
- Montana Senator Jason Ellsworth, accused of steering a public contract to a friend, will go on trial beginning Tuesday.
- Ellsworth, who allegedly split the contract to stay below the bidding threshold, attempted to use 170,100 dollars in public funds.
- Following the incident's exposure, Ellsworth was banned for life from the Senate floor but maintains his innocence.
- If convicted, the senator could face up to six months in jail and a 500 dollar fine.
En chiffres
Montana Republican Senator Jason Ellsworth is accused of improperly trying to steer a public contract to a longtime friend. In December 2025, Ellsworth was indicted on a charge of official misconduct, pleading not guilty and stating he expects to be acquitted. The jury trial, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, points to one of the most talked-about political events of the 2025 legislative session.
At the center of the incident is Ellsworth's attempt in the final days of 2024 to direct 170,100 dollars in public funds to his friend's company, Agile Analytics. It was alleged that to avoid detection, he split the contract into two parts to keep it below the bidding threshold. Although the deal was abandoned after the situation came to light, state auditors described the irregularity as 'illegal'.
Amidst the ongoing political fallout, Ellsworth was banned for life from the Senate floor, though not entirely removed from office. If convicted, he faces a fine of up to 500 dollars and up to six months in jail. Additionally, he risks permanently losing his senate seat, which he has held since 2019.
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Questions fréquentes
- What exactly is Jason Ellsworth being accused of?
- Ellsworth is accused of improperly attempting to steer a 170,100 dollar public contract to his friend's company and of official misconduct.
- How was the contract made improper?
- The contract was allegedly split into two separate parts to remain below the 100,000 dollar threshold that would trigger bidding requirements.
- What will happen if Ellsworth is convicted?
- If convicted, he could face a 500 dollar fine and up to 6 months in jail; additionally, he could be permanently banned from public office.
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Lire l'article complet à la sourcemontanafreepress.org