Example Article for Court Beat
Court Beat August 21, 2026
Author: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Reporter
Article Published: 08/28/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 08Nancy Marks, MT43 News Reporter
August 21, 2026
Friday, August 21st, 1st District Court Judge Kathy Seeley held several hearings for cases pending in Broadwater County. County Attorney Kevin Bratcher prosecuted the cases. Qasim Walid Aabdul-Baki acted as public defender.
Kuyan- Tsun Huang, a native of Taiwan, made his first appearance before Judge Kathy Seeley on a charge of strangulation of a partner or family member. Huang, a software engineer in his home country, was charged August 7, 2026, after a call about a stopped SUV on Highway 287 with passengers asking for help. Huang is released on bond. He was represented by Attorney Megan Moore. The judge, county attorney, defense attorney, and Huang spoke through a translator by Zoom, since Huang does not speak English.
Counsel Moore advised Judge Seeley her client was prepared to enter a not guilty plea. After accepting the plea, the judge set Huang’s hearings for presenting information, pretrial, and jury trial. She advised the defendant that since he is not a citizen of the United States, a conviction could result in deportation.
Counsel Moore requested Huang be allowed to return home to Taiwan, that he had invested large amounts of money on bail, an attorney, housing, and food. He could lose his job also. After Moore verified that Huang did not have a criminal history in Taiwan, Judge Seeley authorized the defendant’s passport and visa be returned to him, allowing him to return to Taiwan. Prosecutor Bratcher agreed as long as the defendant returns to Broadwater County for subsequent hearings and sentencing.
Jami Marie Buckley, arrested for possessing fentanyl along with paraphernalia and another charge September 30, 2024, of theft of a light vehicle. Judge Seeley accepted Buckley’s change of plea to guilty. Buckley’s sentencing is scheduled at a later date.
Christina Jean Moorhouse has her information gathering set October 9, 2026, to face 2 counts of possessing
dangerous drugs and paraphernalia.
Ryan Scott Johnson is charged with criminal endangerment of a minor, driving while under the influence, and reckless driving when he was arrested on Highway 287 May 30, 2026. The children were released to their mother. His pretrial date is set for February 19, 2027.
Jordon Jamor King had his hearing to gather information regarding his April 14, 2026, arrest for driving under the influence. His trial date is set for January 11, 2027.
Jeneth Tyler Roberts had his sentencing vacated and reset for September 18, 2026. Roberts was convicted of unauthorized control over an elder’s property exceeding $1,500 and elder exploitation.
Josua Ross, who appeared from a treatment center, entered a petition to revoke his suspended sentence. Ross was charged and convicted of stalking in Meagher County. His hearing is set for Sept. 4, 2026.
Colt Lee Smith had an informational hearing for criminal possession of drugs with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing drug paraphernalia. His pretrial hearing is set for October 16, 2026.
Jesse Lee Surbrugg had his initial court appearance for a charge of partner or family member assault. His information hearing is set for October 16, 2026.
Kenneth Paul Tanner pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and partner or family member assault when he was arrested January 5, 2026. His presentence investigation is set for October 16, 2026.
Michael Paul Taylor was arrested June 20, 2025, for his 4th offense of driving while under the influence, 1st offense of reckless driving and endangering a highway worker, and for having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle. He pleaded not guilty to charges. His next hearing is October 16, 2026.
Harley Wildman, charged with partner or family member assault, criminal endangerment, and criminal mischief money loss of over $1,500, had his bail lowered to $15,000.
LeDawn Inez Williams has her pretrial hearing set for February 19, 2027, on charges of assault with a weapon to cause bodily injury and partner or family member assault.
