Mister Cordell Cummins faces multiple charges as municipal court recommendations lead to releases

During the Missoula City Council meeting on April 14, 2025, a significant discussion centered around the case of Cordell Cummins, who faced multiple legal challenges in recent months. The council reviewed publicly available records detailing Cummins' legal history, which included four misdemeanor charges and a subsequent felony charge.

Cummins' misdemeanor charges, which were filed between November 24 and March 25, consisted of a nonjailable theft charge, two counts of obstruction for failing to provide his name to police, and one charge of vehicle trespass. Notably, he was not charged with any drunk or disorderly conduct violations. Following these charges, Cummins faced a felony charge for burglary after a trespass incident.

In a notable turn of events, both the city and county attorneys recommended that Cummins be released on his own recognizance during his court appearances. This recommendation was granted by both the justice of the peace and the municipal court judge. However, the county attorney later dropped the felony charge due to insufficient evidence, referring the case back to municipal court.

The discussion highlighted the role of prosecuting attorneys in determining the course of action in Cummins' case, countering claims that municipal court lacks accountability. The council emphasized that the decisions made were based on legal recommendations rather than a failure of the court system.

As the meeting concluded, there were no further court appearances required for Cummins regarding the original municipal infractions or the new referral from the county attorney's office. This case serves as a reminder of the complexities within the legal system and the importance of evidence in prosecutorial decisions. The council's focus on this case reflects ongoing concerns about accountability and the effectiveness of the municipal court in handling such matters.