Lawyers give opening statements in Ellsworth trial

HELENA — Attorneys presented opening arguments on Wednesday in Lewis Clark District Court in the trial of former Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth, who is accused of abusing his power while in office to give an approximately $170,000, no-bid, contract to a friend. Ellsworth was stripped of nearly all privileges as a political official last [

By: Jordan Hansen

Outlets: Daily Montanan

Published: July 16, 2026

Words: 804

Last Updated: 6 days, 2 hours ago

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HELENA — Attorneys presented opening arguments on Wednesday in Lewis Clark District Court in the trial of former Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth, who is accused of abusing his power while in office to give an approximately $170,000, no-bid, contract to a friend.

Ellsworth was stripped of nearly all privileges as a political official last year, though the state Senate stopped short of expelling him. He is charged with official misconduct, a misdemeanor, …

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