GREAT FALLS — A state judge has dismissed aggravated kidnapping and assault charges filed against three Montana men after the alleged victim quit cooperating with investigators and a defense attorney argued her claims were outlandish.
The Great Falls Tribune reports District judge Elizabeth Best last month dismissed the charges that were filed last October against Rodney Lukasik, Brian Murphy and Robert Hoenjet.
Angela Fletcher had told police she was kidnapped and tortured for helping another man remove firearms from Lukasik’s residence.
However, Fletcher failed to meet with prosecutors and defense attorneys. Murphy’s defense attorney, Sam Harris, said Fletcher’s statements “gave a wild and outlandish account of a prolonged kidnapping and assault” and were not credible.
At a May 8 court hearing, Deputy Cascade County Attorney Ryan Ball said Fletcher had decided not to pursue the case.