Representative-elect Greg Gianforte (R-MT) will not face jail time for assaulting a reporter on the eve of the Montana special election. On Monday, he was sentenced to a 180-day deferred sentence, a $385 fine, 40 hours of community service, and 20 hours of anger management counseling.
Recap: Gianforte's sentence is 6 months deferred, 40 hours community service, 20 hours anger management, $385 fine/fees. #mtpol #mtal
— Whitney Bermes (@wabermes) June 12, 2017
Initially, he was sentenced to spend four days in jail, but that was changed after it was realized that he was in fact not eligible for a work program due to the assault charge. The judge then changed his mind and adjusted the sentence.
BREAKING: West gives Gianforte 4 days in jail, but he is eligible for the jail work program and will spend two days working instead. #mtpol
— Whitney Bermes (@wabermes) June 12, 2017
Gianforte announced on Friday that he would plead guilty to misdemeanor assault for "body-slamming" The Guardian's Ben Jacobs. Jacobs had asked Gianforte about a CBO score, which triggered the "body-slam." Jacobs' glasses were broken in the scuffle. Gianforte eventually apologized to Jacobs and made a $50,000 donation to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
In Montana, misdemeanor assault is punishable with up to a year in jail. Gianforte reportedly paid his fine on Monday, shortly after sentencing.
Gianforte will pay his fine today, Whipple said. #mtpol #mtal
— Whitney Bermes (@wabermes) June 12, 2017
He will be sworn into Congress later in June.
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