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Montana politics, elections and legislative news

Public Service Commissioner Randy Pinocci charged with disorderly conduct

Montana Public Service Commissioner Randy Pinocci was arrested last week for failing to appear in court. The Montana State News bureau first reported he’s been charged with disorderly conduct.

According to the Cascade County Sheriff’s Department, the charge was issued in July, alleging Pinocci challenged another man to a fight during an argument.

A warrant was issued after Pinocci failed to make an initial court appearance. Pinocci was arrested on September 6th and faced the disorderly conduct charge in court the next day.

Pinocci is a former state legislator and second-term commissioner on the Public Service Commission, which regulates monopoly utilities in Montana. Pinocci represents District 1, which covers a large area of central and eastern Montana.

A member of the council that regulates Montana energy utilities tried to officially censure a fellow commissioner this week. The two commissioners...

John was MTPR's reporter in Butte from 2022 until his departure in 2025.
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