Court Beat
Author: Valerie Hornsveld, MT43News Reporter
Article Published: 09/25/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 12Valerie Hornsveld
MT43 News Reporter
Judge Kathy Seeley presided over the following cases. County Attorney Kevin Bratcher brought the charges. The defense attorney Qasim Abdul-Baki, appointed from the Office of Public Defenders, acted as the defense attorney in several cases.
Viola Ann Little Elk- appeared with Attorney Alyssa Akelstad for Bail Modification Hearing. The Court reduced the bond to $7500 with all previous conditions.
Dwight Robert Murdough- appeared for his Bail Modification Hearing. The Court reduced his bond to $35,000 with all previous conditions.
Ballenger-Brooks, Christopher Todd- a Change of Plea Hearing – The defendant plead Guilty to Count 1- Assault on a Peace Officer. With the assistance of his attorney the defendant stated what he had done. The Court ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation and set Sentencing for November 20, 2026. Counts 2 and 3 were dismissed.
Ryan Scott Johnson- appeared for a Change of Plea Hearing- With the assistance of his Attorney the defendant plead Guilty to Count 1- Criminal child endangerment and in his own words stated what he had done. The Court ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation and set Sentencing for November 20, 2026. Counts 2 and 3 were dismissed.
Jeneth Tyler Roberts- appeared for Sentencing along with his Attorney Benjamin Darrow. The Court went along with the Plea Agreement and Sentenced Mr. Roberts to 6 years deferred, restitution in the amount of $22,176 that must be paid back within the first 3 years. The defendant must pay all surcharges and fees, must not leave the State of Montana and must get approval from the Probation and Parole to travel around Montana. Defendant received 1 day credit for time served and must follow all conditions in place.
Cadet Lacunza- appeared for a hearing on the Initial on Petition to revoke. The defendant entered denials and an Evidentiary Hearing is scheduled for May 21, 2026.
Joshua Ross- failed to appear. The Court ordered a Warrant with the Bond set at $25,000.
Ryan Michelle Hughes- failed to appear. The Court ordered a Warrant with a Bond set at $15,000.
