Flathead County court officials say they do not expect a new judge to be chosen until early next week in the case against state Sen. Greg Barkus, who faces several charges stemming from an August boat crash that injured all five people aboard.
Court administrator Bonnie Olson said Wednesday that Flathead County District Judge Stu Stadler, who will make the selection, is expected to be busy with an unrelated trial this week and will not be available to contact a replacement for the Barkus case until at least Monday.
Stadler joined other local judges in stepping down from the matter. All cited a conflict of interest because they had worked with Barkus on matters affecting the courts.
District Judge Nels Swandal of Livingston was named to the case, but prosecutors asked for a substitute. Lake County District Judge Kim Christopher took over from Swandal, but defense attorney Todd Glazier also asked for a different judge.
Barkus, a Kalispell Republican, pleaded not guilty Monday to one count of criminal endangerment and two counts of negligent vehicular assault for an Aug. 27 boat crash on Flathead Lake that injured five people, including U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg.
Prosecutors say Barkus’ alcohol level was about twice the legal limit the night he crashed his boat atop a steep rocky outcropping. Glazier rejects the charge.