Malta judge named in Barkus case

Tools

By The Associated Press

Story Published: Nov 3, 2009 at 3:55 PM MDT

Story Updated: Nov 3, 2009 at 3:55 PM MDT

KALISPELL - An eastern Montana judge has been named to preside over the case of state Sen. Greg Barkus, who faces several charges stemming from a Flathead Lake boat crash that injured all five people aboard.

District Judge John McKeon of Malta was assigned to the case on Monday. Barkus, R-Kalispell, was driving a boat that crashed into the shore at about 10 p.m. on Aug. 27, injuring U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, two of his staffers, Barkus and his wife.

Barkus has pleaded not guilty to criminal endangerment and two counts of negligent vehicular assault. Prosecutors say Barkus' blood-alcohol level was about twice the legal limit the night he crashed his boat atop a steep rocky outcropping. His attorney, Todd Glazier rejects the charge.

In September, all three Flathead County District Court judges recused themselves from the case. Two other judges, District Judge Nels Swandal of Livingston and District Judge Kim Christopher of Polson, have been removed. Judge McKeon has not set any hearing dates yet.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

News, Sports, Weather for Great Falls, Helena, and all of Montana and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Great Falls Weather

Icon
Current Temp 32.0 °F
A Few Clouds
Wind : West at 10.4 MPH (9 KT)
Pressure : 1024.8 mb
Humidity : 54 %
Click here for our video forecast
More Weather

Helena Weather

Icon
Current Temp 32.0 °F
Fair
Wind : West at 9.2 MPH (8 KT)
Pressure : 1025.6 mb
Humidity : 56 %
More Weather

On Demand

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Cast Your Vote

Have you stuck with your New Year's Resolutions?

  • Yes
  • No
  • I didn't make any resolutions this year

AP Video