A Helena jury delivered the Jason Ellsworth Montana contracts verdict on Tuesday, finding former Montana Senate President Sen. Jason Ellsworth guilty of official misconduct after a six-day trial. State District Judge Chris Abbott set sentencing for Sept. 10, when Ellsworth faces up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500.
Helena Jury Verdict
The trial turned on Ellsworth’s handling of state contracts while he served as president. In December 2024, he signed off on a pair of contracts worth $170,000 with Agile Analytics, a firm linked to Bryce Eggleston, a friend and former business associate.
Ellsworth later tapped Agile Analytics to track and analyze a series of judicial reform bills during the 2025 legislative session. Prosecutors said the documents were structured to avoid scrutiny, and the original paperwork called for the money to be paid upfront and split the work into two smaller contracts below $100,000.
Ellsworth Testimony Monday
Ellsworth testified for more than three hours on Monday before the final witnesses were called. Martin Judnich asked him, “What was your understanding of your authority for a president to approve a service contract like that?”
Ellsworth said he did not have anything to do with the writing of the proposed contracts and said, “That’s not how they were treated,” describing the documents he initially submitted as proposals rather than formal contracts.
Austin Knudsen Statement
Attorney General Austin Knudsen responded after the verdict with two statements. He said, “Our Department of Justice prosecutors and investigators did a great job securing today’s conviction,” and added, “Sincere thanks to the jury for their time and service. Montana DOJ takes any public corruption seriously. We are glad to see the rule of law prevail.”
The sentencing hearing now sets the next step in the case. Judge Chris Abbott will decide whether the conviction results in jail time, a fine, or both within the limits tied to the guilty verdict.
