The Gallatin County prosecutor says Greg Gianforte will plead guilty to assaulting a reporter the day before he was elected last month the state's only congressman.Gianforte will appear Monday in Gallatin County Justice Court to be arraigned and sentenced on the misdemeanor charge. The Republican technology entrepreneur reached a civil settlement with Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs over claims that Gianforte knocked Jacobs to the ground when the reporter asked him a question May 24.
As part of the settlement, Jacobs said he would not object to Gianforte entering a no contest plea, meaning Gianforte would concede to the charge without admitting guilt. But Gallatin County Attorney Marty Lambert told The Associated Press today that Gianforte will plead guilty.
Lambert said he will recommend a penalty to Justice of the Peace Rick West at Monday's hearing, but declined to disclose his recommendation. Gianforte spokesman Shane Scanlon has not responded to Montana Public Radio’s requests for comment or interview since before the election.
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