Jason Ellsworth trial starts in Lewis and Clark County

HELENA, Mont. — Former Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth’s criminal trial got underway in Lewis and Clark County as jury selection began in the official misconduct case against him.

NonStop Local was in court as prosecutors and defense attorneys questioned potential jurors for the first time. The process started with more than 80 people and aimed to narrow the group to 14, including 12 jurors and two alternates.

The case began after the Montana Attorney General’s Office filed misconduct charges against Ellsworth following an investigation by the Montana Department of Criminal Investigation.

Investigators alleged a $170,000 contract awarded to Agile Analytics by Ellsworth violated a state ethics code that requires lawmakers to disclose possible conflicts of interest. DCI also reported that Ellsworth did not have the contract reviewed by the proper authorities before it was secured and awarded.

The investigation began last year. The state Senate also removed Ellsworth from his role as Senate president last year.

Ellsworth denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.

Judge Christopher Abbott, who presided over the case, said the trial could continue until next Friday.