A Helena jury convicted former Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth of misdemeanor criminal official misconduct for awarding $170,000 in no-bid contracts to a company with ties to a long-time associate. This decision came after nearly four hours of jury deliberation, potentially leading to a six-month jail term for Ellsworth. The contracts, awarded to Agile Analytics, were for observing state agencies as new legislative measures limited Montana courts’ power. The verdict was followed by Ellsworth’s swift departure from court.
Prosecutors argued that Ellsworth bypassed standard state contract approval processes by signing incomplete agreements and later legitimizing them. Assistant Attorney General Stephanie Robles emphasized that he knowingly disregarded protocol, having served as chairman of the Legislative Audit Committee. Robles presented the case as an “emergency” of Ellsworth’s own creation.
Ellsworth’s defense maintained that the contracts were valid post-modification by Legislative Services and that the work contracted with Agile Analytics was legitimate. Defense attorney Martin Judnich argued the contract was a serious arrangement addressing critical Senate issues, not a frivolous kickback scheme.
Previously, Ellsworth led a Senate committee crafting bills to curb judicial powers, resulting in over two dozen proposals enhancing judicial oversight. Although his committee rejected a contractor to report on judiciary law implementation, Ellsworth proceeded to contract Agile Analytics. The firm’s registered agent, Bryce Eggleston, presented Ellsworth with contracts on Christmas Eve 2025.
State staff were not informed of Ellsworth’s 20-year relationship with Eggleston, who had registered Agile Analytics just weeks prior. Despite this, Ellsworth signed the contracts, circumventing bid requirements for deals exceeding $100,000. Department of Administration officials likened their work to legitimize the contracts as “putting lipstick on a pig.”
Ellsworth’s attempts to dismiss the case, citing improper jurisdiction and insufficient evidence, were rejected by Judge Chris Abbott. Ellsworth’s defense called him as the sole witness, arguing the signed documents were merely proposals. However, the courtroom observed large, labeled copies identifying them as contracts.
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