Example Article for Court Beat
Court Beat
 | Author:
Valerie Hornsveld, MT43 News Reporter
MT43News Court Beat Reporter |
Valerie Hornsveld
MT43 News Reporter
Friday, March 20, 2026
Judge Kathy Seeley
CDC-24-38 Tyler David Castona - Change of Plea. Defendant pleaded guilty to 9 of the 18 charges. Count 3, Hunting, fishing, or trapping without a License, Count 4, Unlawful possession or transport of a Game Animal, Count 5- Hunting, fishing, trapping without a license, Count 7 Unlawful use of Equip while hunting, artificial light, Count 9 Hunting or killing over limit Elk, Amended Charge 12, Hunting or killing over limit, Deer, Amended Count 15 Hunting or killing over limit, deer, Amended Count 16 Unlawful use of Equipment while hunting game animal, and Amended Count 18 Fail to obtain landowner’s permission for Hunting 1st offense. With the assistance of his attorney, the defendant stated what he had done. The court dismissed the remaining 9 counts. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026.
BDC-26-12 Rubén M. Estrada Juárez - Information. Defendant was charged with Count 1- Driving under the Influence(4th) and Count 2 Displaying license plates assigned to another vehicle. The defendant pleaded not guilty and the following trial schedule was set, Omnibus, May 8, 2026; Pretrial- August 14, 2026; and Jury Trial – October 5, 2026. Defendant was released with conditions (Judge Mike McMahon case)
CDC-25-05 Elijah Lloyd Ticknor - Sentencing - Count 1- Driving Under the Influence (4th offense). The defendant was sentenced to the Montana State Prison for a period of 3 years, all suspended, on the condition he completes an appropriate treatment program and pays a $5000 fine. Counts 2 and 3 were dismissed.
BDC-26-11 Barbara Lee Degroodt - Information - The Defendant was charged with Criminal Possession of dangerous drugs, Methamphetamine and Count 2 - Criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. The Arraignment is scheduled for Friday, April 10, 2026, before Judge Mike McMahon.
