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Court Beat
Author: Valerie Hornsveld, MT43 News Reporter

Valerie Hornsveld

MT43 News Reporter

District Court Report for April 24, 2026

Judge Christopher Abbott presided over the following cases. County Attorney Kevin Bratcher, representing the State, and Public Defender Quasim Abdul-Baki represented the defendants in Court.

Brittney Reane Betts - An Initial Appearance on the Petition to revoke was held. Ms. Betts pleaded Not Guilty to the 7 allegations filed against her. An Admit/Deny hearing is scheduled for Friday, May 8, 2026, before the Honorable Mike Menahan. The parties agreed and the Court ordered Ms. Betts to be released and she must get a GPS bracelet put on within 24 hours.

Deborah Mary Winslette - Initial hearing and Arraignment were held. Ms. Winslette is charged with Count 1- Criminal Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Count 2- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The defendant denied all charges and the following trial schedule was set. Omnibus- June 26, 2026, Pretrial- July 24, 2026, and Jury Trial- August 24, 2026.

Curtis Justin Smith - Sentencing- The attorneys gave their recommendations to the court. They were listed in the same conditions in the Plea Agreement. The Court sentenced the defendant to Count 1- the Montana Department of Corrections for 3 years, all suspended, and to Count 3- 6 months in the Broadwater County Detention Facility, all suspended. The defendant must follow all conditions listed in the Plea Agreement and those ordered by the Court.

Bryan Nickolas Hurni - Initial Appearance and Arraignment were held. Mr. Hurni pleaded Not Guilty to the Charge of DUI 4th offense. The Court set the following hearings and dates: Omnibus- June 26, 2026, Pretrial July 24, 2026, and Jury Trial- August 24, 2026. Defendant was instructed to go to the Jail to be booked and released.

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