APNewsBreak: Gianforte to plead guilty to assault charge

[sagesnow]

Source: Associated Press

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — U.S. Rep.-elect Greg Gianforte of Montana will plead guilty to assaulting a reporter the day before being elected the state's only congressman last month, a prosecutor said Friday.

The Republican technology entrepreneur will enter his plea in court on Monday, when he is scheduled to be arraigned and sentenced on the misdemeanor charge, Gallatin County Attorney Marty Lambert told The Associated Press.

Gianforte requested the court hearing after reaching a civil settlement this week.


Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs over claims that Gianforte knocked Jacobs to the ground when the reporter asked him a question May 24.

As part of the settlement, Jacobs said he would not object to Gianforte entering a plea of no contest, or nolo contendere, meaning Gianforte would concede to the charge without admitting guilt.

But Lambert said Gianforte will plead guilty.

"He is not going to be entering a nolo contendere plea," Lambert said. "He's going to be pleading guilty."

Gianforte spokesman Shane Scanlon did not return telephone and text messages seeking comment.

Misdemeanor assault convictions in Montana carry a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $500 fine.

Read more: http://enews.earthlink.net/article/us?guid=20170609/c982a20d-004d-4e31-96f5-28eae4c6562a

[LisaM]

1. At least he owned up to it.

That's more than I can say for a lot of these thugs. Not excusing him, but he didn't walk away from it (I know there were witnesses and he would have been found guilty, but I think it's good that he didn't drag it out).

[0rganism]

3. or maybe he wants to use it as a bragging point?

who knows, maybe in Montana physically assaulting the "liberal media elite" is something that gets you votes and wins elections?

[LisaM]

6. Maybe, but I'm going to assume the best and think he just wants to put it behind him.

He doesn't really seem like a great guy, but he wrote a coherent apology and donated $50,000 to a press freedom group and (at least on paper) defended journalistic rights. I've seen worse responses to heinous acts.

It could all be disingenuous of course, but I think it's good he's not clogging up the court system.

[moonscape]

8. I feel the same, wanting to believe he actually realized how wrong he

was, how out of control, and hope it was a wake-up call for his sake, and for the benefit of those close to him in his life. That sort of violence has happened before behind closed doors I'm sure ...

[still_one]

5. and how many witnesses were there? He had no choice or this would have been taken to court

[MontanaMama]

2. Good. He should.

But make no mistake, he is a THUG. This news will soften people a bit towards him but he will bending us over as soon as he takes office. Screw him.

[trueblue2007]

4. i hope he gets 6 MONTHS IN JAIL !!!

[NCjack]

10. Tat least two years would settle my concerns. nt

[jpak]

7. LOCK HIM UP!

yup

[rpannier]

9. Yep

Where are the law-and-order types screaming he should be in jail?