The first week of a criminal trial concerning alleged government fund misuse by a Montana official concluded at the Lewis and Clark County District Court in Helena. State Sen. Jason Ellsworth, a Republican from Hamilton, faces charges of official misconduct, a misdemeanor. The state alleges Ellsworth sought personal gain by directing a state contract to a friend, bypassing standard procedures. Ellsworth has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
In late 2024, Ellsworth attempted to allocate $170,100 in public funds to a newly formed company owned by a friend, without adhering to the required public bidding process for such contracts. The Montana State News Bureau reported on the contract. The funds originated from a special legislative committee on judicial reform, which Ellsworth chaired. His suggestion to hire someone for bill tracking was dismissed by fellow Republicans, yet he proceeded with the contract.
Prosecutor Misty Ann Giles, Department of Administration Director, testified that Ellsworth falsely claimed committee approval for hiring when contacting her in December 2024. She discovered the truth through news articles. Giles noted the contract lacked necessary legal language, which her team later added, describing the process as “putting lipstick on a pig.”
Lobbyist Scott Boulanger, who rented to Ellsworth during the 2025 session, testified about being asked to bid retroactively for work already contracted. “I was just helping a friend,” Boulanger said, unaware the contracts were pre-signed. This contradicted Ellsworth’s earlier claims of soliciting bids.
Defense’s mistrial motion, based on allegations of prosecution missteps, was denied by Judge Christopher Abbott. Ellsworth’s lawyers argue multiple state staff effected the contract, shifting responsibility away from Ellsworth, who was Senate president. The prosecution demonstrated the process as “uncommon” and “concerning,” supported by testimony from staff like the governor’s Budget Director, Ryan Osmundson, who advised using existing staff instead of outsourcing. The trial continues next week, with predictions of a Tuesday conclusion. Ellsworth faces potential fines and jail time if convicted.
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