A pretrial hearing has been set for next month in the case against state Senator Greg Barkus, who faces charges stemming from a boat crash on Flathead Lake that injured all five people aboard, including Representative Denny Rehberg.
The hearing is scheduled for December 14th at the Flathead County Courthouse, with District Judge John McKeon attending by teleconference from his office in Phillips County.
McKeon agreed to take over the case after a handful of judges recused themselves over concerns they posed a conflict of interest.
Barkus pleaded not guilty to one count of criminal endangerment and two counts of negligent vehicular assault in connection with the August 27th boat crash.
Prosecutors say his alcohol level was about twice the legal limit the night he crashed his boat atop a steep rocky outcropping. But Barkus’ lawyer is disputing the accusation.
(from November 2, 2009) A fourth judge has been assigned to state Senator Greg Barkus' case that involves a boat crash on Flathead Lake this summer.
District Judge John McKeon of Malta has assumed jurisdiction over Barkus' case.
Barkus, a Kalispell Republican, pleaded not guilty to one count of criminal endangerment and two counts of negligent vehicular assault for the August 27 boat crash on Flathead Lake that injured five people, including Representative Denny Rehberg.
Prosecutors say Barkus' alcohol level was about twice the legal limit the night he crashed his boat atop a steep rocky outcropping.
(from October 27, 2009) Montana State Senator Greg Barkus entered a plea on Monday to felony charges related to the August boat crash that injured Congressman Denny Rehberg and four others.
He arrived at the courthouse with his wife, and pleaded not guilty to the three felony charges that he's facing.
Barkus is charged with one count of criminal endangerment and two charges of negligent vehicular assault.
