BILLINGS – The assault case against state Sen. Jason Priest appears to be headed to trial after prosecutors and the Red Lodge Republican failed to resolve the matter out of court.
The Billings Gazette reported Monday that the two sides held discussions but were unable to reach an agreement.
Priest’s trial is scheduled for Jan. 12.
Prosecutors say that on Feb. 1, Priest threw his 4-year-old daughter through a doorway in an encounter with his estranged wife and her boyfriend. Prosecutors say Priest tried to push his wife down the stairs, tackled her boyfriend and struggled with an officer who intervened.
Priest pleaded not guilty to felony assault on a minor and misdemeanor counts of partner or family member assault, assault and resisting arrest.
Priest is not running for re-election.