Montana's Gianforte avoids jail time for reporter assault

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Montana’s Gianforte avoids jail time for reporter assault

10 minutes ago

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — Montana’s next congressman, Greg Gianforte, has been given a 180-day deferred jail sentence after the Republican technology entrepreneur pleaded guilty to assaulting a reporter on the eve of his election last month.

Justice of the Peace Rick West sentenced Gianforte on Monday for the misdemeanor, ordering him to complete 40 hours of community service, 20 hours of anger management counseling and pay a $385 fine.

Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs says Gianforte “body slammed” him when he tried to ask the candidate for the state’s sole U.S. House seat a question on May 24.

Jacobs agreed not to sue Gianforte in exchange for the politician writing a letter of apology and donating $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Gianforte is expected to be sworn in to office later this month.

https://apnews.com/2705e70cd5754f2eb9147f3c5495c83d/Montana's-Gianforte-avoids-jail-time-for-reporter-assault

[gtar100]

1. It would be such a different story if Gianforte were black, Latino or native American.

White privilege marches on.

[Thomas Hurt]

2. Taking the fascist's money is more punishment than jail time anyway.

[gratuitous]

4. No it isn't

Lock him up; don't let him buy his way out of jail for a paltry $385.

[old guy]

3. Like that 50 grand will actually come out of his pocket.

He is walking away with no consequences to continue his fascist efforts in the House. Thanks Montana.