A judge has rejected a motion to throw out several charges alleging former U.S. Senate candidate Troy Downing bought less-costly in-state hunting and fishing licenses when he was not a Montana resident.
Downing argued the case was based on mistakes made by accountants who prepared his taxes listing him as a California resident.
Gallatin County Justice of the Peace Bryan Adams said last week that Downing's residency for tax purposes was not relevant to whether he met the definition of a Montana resident.
Downing has pleaded not guilty to seven misdemeanor charges. His trial was set for July 25 but he has filed a motion to reschedule it.
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports Adams ruled the state can use as evidence Downing's tax returns and social media posts in which he said he was "home" in Fallbrook, California.