Former Senate President Ellsworth charged with official misconduct
State Sen. Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, speaks in the Senate chamber on March 24, 2025, as fellow senators debate disciplinary actions against him. (Zeke Lloyd/MTFP)
Former Republican state Senate President Jason Ellsworth will be charged with misdemeanor official misconduct for allegedly attempting to award $170,100 worth of government work to a longtime friend and business partner, the state Department of Justice said Thursday.
Attorneys for the Department of Justice announced the charge against the legislator from Hamilton on Thursday and requested that the court suspend Ellsworth from serving until judgment is issued. Because Ellsworth is facing term limits that prevent him from running for re-election next year and doesn’t serve on an interim committee, the suspension without pay would have a minimal effect on the final year of his term, when the Legislature isn’t scheduled to meet. Ellsworth’s Senate peers in April banned him from the Senate floor for life and from committees for ethics violations related to the contract issue.
CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
