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House Judiciary Hears Push to Censure Two Bozeman Judges Over Bonding Decisions
Summary
Lawmakers heard testimony for and against House Resolution 4, which seeks to censure Bozeman Municipal Judges J. Colleen Harrington and Carolina Tierney after allegations they suspended a bail bondsman’s bonding privileges; proponents cited a federal order and email evidence, while opponents urged restraint pending formal fact-finding and litigation.
Representative Tom Millett opened a House Judiciary hearing on House Resolution 4, describing three complaints accusing Bozeman Municipal Judges J. Colleen Harrington and Carolina Tierney of illegally suspending a bail bondsman’s bonding privileges, extortion to force withdrawal of complaints, and malfeasance in office. Millett told the committee HR4 would "censure Bozeman Municipal Judges J. Colleen Harrington and Carolina Tierney for official misconduct and malfeasance in office," and urged members to give the resolution a "do pass."
John Looney, a Helena bail bondsman and president of the Montana Bail Agents Association, testified that his company’s bonding privileges were suspended without notice, costing his business and family, and that he was forced to pay forfeitures to save the company. He told the committee, "I didn't get due process."
Attorney Matthew Monfortin, representing Looney, cited a federal district-court order denying a motion to…
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