HELENA — Jurors began hearing evidence Wednesday in the official misconduct trial of former Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth, focusing on his role in approving two state contracts that together totaled $170,000.
The contracts, signed in December 2024, were for services to track a set of judicial reform bills during the 2025 legislative session. Prosecutors say Ellsworth steered the work to Agile Analytics, a company linked to Bryce Eggleston, a former business associate, and that the contracts were structured to avoid higher-level review.
Prosecutors: contracts split to skirt review
In opening statements, Assistant Attorney General Dan Guzynski told jurors the contracts were notable for being paid up front and lacking documentation that plainly identified Eggleston. Guzynski told the jury the two agreements appeared to be separated so neither exceeded a $100,000 threshold that would have triggered additional review by the Montana Department of Administration.
“You’ll learn from the evidence that there’s nothing ordinary about these contracts,”
Prosecutors contend that separation of the agreements and their payment terms were improper and amount to official misconduct by a public official who should have followed procurement rules.
Defense: routine services, no illicit intent
Ellsworth’s lawyers countered that the arrangements were standard service agreements and not an illicit scheme. Defense attorney Martin Judnich told jurors in opening statements that the contracts reflected legitimate work and denied there was any kickback or back-end government arrangement.
“This was an agreement for services,”
Ellsworth has maintained he and Eggleston agreed to cancel the contracts after state staff raised questions about the procurement process.
What the case centers on
The trial revolves on whether Ellsworth’s actions as Senate president violated statutes governing public officials and contracting. Key issues the jury will consider include:
- Whether the contracts were improperly split to avoid required oversight;
- Whether proper bidding and procurement procedures were followed;
- Whether the payments and documentation were consistent with normal state contracts.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Contracts signed | December 2024 |
| Total value | $170,000 |
| Company contracted | Agile Analytics (linked to Bryce Eggleston) |
Proceedings are taking place before District Judge Chris Abbott. Opening statements were delivered Wednesday; the prosecution and defense will present witnesses and documents during the coming days.
The case began after state staff raised questions about whether the contracts followed the correct bidding process. Prosecutors say the unusual payment terms and absence of clear documentation linking Eggleston to the contracts support their allegation of misconduct. The defense has argued the contracts were ordinary agreements for services and that Ellsworth acted appropriately.
As the trial unfolds, residents should expect courtroom schedules and witness testimony to shape the timeline. The matter touches on how state officials use contracting authority and the checks that are meant to prevent conflicts or improper steering of public work.
Reporting continues from Helena; court records and statements from the Office of the Attorney General and Ellsworth’s counsel provide the basis for this coverage.
