Example Article for Court Beat
Court Beat
Author: Valerie Hornsveld, MT43 News Reporter
Article Published: 10/02/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 13Valerie Hornsveld
MT43 News Reporter
Judge Christopher Abbott 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.
Gabriel Andres Echeverry- Initial Hearing appeared with his attorney, Matthew Dodd. The charges are Count 1 -DUI, 4th and Count 2- Careless Driving. The Arraignment was held and a Not Guilty was entered. The trial schedule is as follows: Omnibus memorandum must be filed by November 13, 2026; Pre-trial, March 26, 2027; and Jury Trial, April 26, 2027.
Slade Allen Teigen- Initial Hearing and Arraignment Hearings were held. The Defendant was charged with Count 1 DUI, 4th, and Count 2- No Seatbelt. Mr. Teigen pleaded Not Guilty, and the trial schedule is as follows: Omnibus- November 6, 2026; Pre-trial, April 2, 2027; and Jury Trial, May 3, 2027. All hearings will be held before Honorable Mike Menahan. The defendant had placed an Interlock Device in his vehicle and instructed to use it 2 times a day.
David Wayne Klinkenborg- Change of Plea- The defendant pleaded Guilty to 3 Counts- Count 1- Amended Charge of Criminal Endangerment, Count 2- Criminal Endangerment, and Count 4- Criminal Endangerment. Mr. Klinkenborg, with assistance of his attorney, stated what he had done. The Court ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation and set Sentencing for December 10, 2026, in Lewis and Clark County at 10:30 am. The Court ordered that the Removal of the 24/7 program is granted. Count 3 was dismissed.
Richard Dee Anderson- Change of Plea- The defendant pleaded Guilty to the Amended Charge of DUI, 3rd. Mr. Anderson, with the assistance of his Attorney, stated what he had done. The Court dismissed Counts 2 and 3. Defendant received his Sentence – He is sentenced to 1 year in the Broadwater County Jail with all but 30 days suspended, a fine in the amount of $2500, pay all surcharges, and must complete a Chemical Dependency Evaluation and follow all recommended conditions. Defendant is placed on the 24/7 program for 1 year, received credit for 30 days served to go toward his fine, leaving $13 he must pay. Driver’s License is suspended; he must follow all conditions listed in the Plea Agreement.
Joshua Ross- Initial Hearing on a Warrant- The Court scheduled Sentencing for October 16, 2026, before Honorable Kathy Seeley. He was ordered to call his Attorney weekly.
Ashley Hughes- Initial Hearing on a failure to appear Warrant. The Warrant was ordered Quashed. Ms. Hughes was instructed to check in at the Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of District Courts office every Friday. Her next hearing is scheduled for October 16, 2026, before Honorable Katy Seeley.
