Bigfork man guilty of threatening trooper

A 21-year-old Bigfork man pleaded no contest and guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to charges of felony threats in official matters and misdemeanor driving under the influence.

A Montana Highway Patrol trooper found Jason Hill parked on the side of Montana 83 on May 5, and smelled alcohol as he approached the vehicle.

During their interaction, Hill threatened to kill the trooper and his family, among other threats. According to a court document, Hill told the trooper: “I’m going to say this quietly, I’m going to rape your kids then kill you, I promise.”

The trooper eventually used a Taser on Hill to take him into custody. During Thursday’s hearing, Hill said the only reason he made the threats was because the Taser malfunctioned and all four prongs fired at once, at least one striking him in the groin.

“After I was tased between my legs, I don’t remember much,” Hill said, explaining why he pleaded no contest rather than guilty to the threats charge.

Hill also said the officer deployed the Taser by accident, a statement Deputy County Attorney Travis Ahner refuted.

“I think he tased you because you moved toward him,” Ahner said.

Hill went on to apologize for his actions that night and said he had written the trooper a long apology letter. He said the trooper acted professionally throughout their entire encounter.

“Hopefully someday I can shake his hand,” Hill said.

In exchange for Hill’s pleas, additional misdemeanor charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, assault with a bodily fluid and resisting arrest were dropped.

According to a court document, Hill has several prior convictions for disorderly conduct, a 2007 conviction for burglary in Alaska, and that he was abusive to jail staff during his last incarceration.

The Flathead County Attorney’s Office is recommending a sentence of two years in jail and three years suspended for the threats conviction and a concurrent suspended sentence of six months for the drunk driving charge.

Hill’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 13.