Court Beat
Author: Valerie Hornsveld, MT43 News Reporter
Article Published: 09/04/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 09Valerie Hornsveld
MT43 News Reporter
Judge Christopher Abbott presided over the following cases. County Attorney Kevin Bratcher brought the charges.
Michelle Leigh McCauley- appeared with Attorney Steve Scott with the Public Defender's Office. This was the time set for a Change of Plea hearing where Ms. McCauley pleaded guilty to Count 1B, Aggravated Assault. With the assistance of her Attorney, Ms. McCauley stated what she had done. The Court ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation and scheduled Sentencing for October 23, 2026.
Violet Ann Little Elk- appeared for her Initial Hearing and Arraignment with Court-appointed Attorney Cole Kostelny. Ms. Little Elk pleaded Not Guilty to Driving Under the Influence, 4th, Negligent Vehicular Assault, and Failure of Insurance in Vehicle. The Omnibus memorandum filing is October 15th, 2026; Pre-trial is February 19, 2027; and Jury Trial scheduled for March 15, 2027, before Judge Kathy Seeley. The bond was reduced from $50,000 to $10,000 and the defendant must sign up for alcohol monitoring.
Janalee Dawn Huffman- appeared with Attorney Quasim Abdul-Baki from the Public Defender’s Office. This was the time set for her Initial hearing and Arraignment. Ms. Huffman pleaded Not Guilty to Criminal Child Endangerment, Driving Under the Influence, 1st, and Speeding. The trial scheduled was set, Omnibus, November 20, 2026; Pre-trial, February 19, 2027; and Jury Trial, March 15, 2027, before the Honorable Kathy Seeley.
James Michael Magee- appeared with Attorney Quasim Abdul-Baki for his Status hearing on the Petition to Revoke. Mr. Magee denied all 6 violations: failure to remain law abiding, failure to report to probation and parole, use of illegal drugs, failure to pay restitution, failure to maintain Employment, and Possession of weapons. Evidentiary Hearing is scheduled for Friday, October 25, 2026.
Travis Alan Taylor- appeared with Attorney Quasim Abdul-Baki for his Initial/Amended Petition to revoke. Mr. Taylor entered Denials to the violations of remain law abiding, nonpayment of fines and fees and, on the amended petition, violation of remain law abiding and DUI. The evidentiary hearing is scheduled for November 4, 2026, before Judge Mike Menahan. Bond was addressed with the Court reducing to OR as the defendant has a $100, 000 bond in Ravalli County. Defendant will be sent to Ravalli County to be seen on charges from that county.
Candy Stryker- appeared for her Petition to Revoke and Sentencing hearing with Attorney Richard Williamson with the Public Defender's Office. The defendant was sentenced to 2 years in the Department of Corrections, none suspended, with credit of 752 days’ time served. The Court signed a Release Order for all time being served.
Grant Anton Benson- appeared with Attorney Brent Flowers for his Change of Plea and Sentencing. Defendant pleaded Guilty to Operation of Non-Commercial Vehicle DUI and with the assistance of his attorney stated what he had done. Mr. Benson was Sentenced to 6 months in the Broadwater County Jail, all suspended, pay a fine of $600, the court granted the defendant a probationary license, he must attend the ACT program and pay all mandatory surcharges. Credit for one day served.
Ryan Hughes- appeared with Attorney Quasim Abdul Baki on a Warrant for failure to appear on a Change of Plea. The Court Quashed Warrant and Bond Forfeiture and the defendant must check in every Friday morning. Hearing is scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026.
