APNewsBreak: Gianforte to plead guilty to assault charge
APNewsBreak: Gianforte to plead guilty to assault charge
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 said 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.
Misdemeanor assault convictions in Montana carry a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $500 fine.
Lambert said he will recommend a penalty to Justice of the Peace Rick West at Monday’s hearing, but declined to disclose his recommendation.
https://apnews.com/5ca332813e074504beb59773f69622e4/APNewsBreak:-Gianforte-to-plead-guilty-to-assault-charge
