Senate ethics panel hears offer of proof, plays Eggleston statement in probe of Ellsworth contract

Helena — The Montana Senate Ethics Committee on Friday continued its adjudicatory hearing into contracts tied to former Senate President Jason Ellsworth, as prosecutors presented an offer of proof about what absent witness Bryce Eggleston would have testified and the committee reviewed Eggleston's sworn statement and a roughly 1 hour, 13 minute video statement.

The panel heard the state outline a numbered offer of proof alleging Eggleston repeatedly represented he would voluntarily testify but did not appear, that Eggleston had financial and personal ties to Ellsworth going back years, and that public records and prior sworn statements contradicted parts of Eggleston's testimony. "The state offers the following paragraphs and individual entries as its offer of proof," Special Counsel told the committee when submitting the list of proposed findings, which included invoices and Secretary of State filings the state said showed transfers and shared company roles.

Why this matters: The committee is weighing whether Ellsworth failed to disclose a personal or private interest under Montana's ethics law and whether the contracts at issue — two invoices and related procurement steps that together totaled $170,100 — were appropriate. Special counsel told the panel the question is one of full disclosure and the appearance of impropriety; defense counsel argued the record does not show a disclosable private interest and asked the committee not to treat…