WPBN: After a lengthy investigation by the state’s Division of Criminal Investigation, Kenneth Britton “Britt” Cotter, a district court judge-elect from Polson, Montana, is now facing significant felony narcotics accusations.
Cotter faces two counts of attempted illegal possession of dangerous substances and one count of soliciting to commit criminal distribution of dangerous drugs. Evidence that he made several attempts to buy cocaine between March 2022 and May 2023 is the basis for the accusations against him.
The legal and judicial establishment in Montana has been rocked by the charges against Cotter. In November 2024, Cotter, a seasoned criminal defense lawyer, was elected to the 20th Judicial District, which encompasses the counties of Lake and Sanders.
His uncontested election was a testament to the respect and confidence he had earned among his peers and in the legal community.
But given the seriousness of the accusations, Cotter has declared that he will not be taking the oath of office as scheduled for next month. In addition, he resigned from his post as a District Court judge, therefore ending his judicial career before it even started.
Assistant Attorney General Meghann Paddock is in charge of Cotter’s case prosecution. In order to maintain impartiality and prevent conflicts of interest due to Cotter’s prior position in the legal system, the case has been assigned to District Judge Jennifer Lint of the 21st Judicial District, which is located in Ravalli County.
Under Montana law, Cotter would be subject to harsh punishments if found guilty. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 35 years in jail and a maximum fine of $60,000. He is expected to be arraigned in Lake County on January 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
There are other ramifications for Montana’s court from the judge vacancy brought about by Cotter’s resignation. The 20th Judicial District vacancy was formally announced to the Governor’s office on December 26.
In recent years, there have already been leadership changes in this district. John Mercer was previously appointed to the role by Governor Greg Gianforte following the resignation of Judge Deborah Kim Christopher in April 2024.
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Since Mercer’s tenure is scheduled to end on January 5, 2025, the judicial vacancy will formally become effective on January 6 of that year.
A notice of vacancy will be published soon to start the official process of filling the judge seat, according to a spokeswoman from the governor’s office. Applications and nominations for eligible applicants will be requested as part of this process, which will be followed by a rigorous screening and selection procedure.
The administration will have to make a crucial choice about the selection of a new judge since it will have an immediate effect on how the legal system operates in Lake and Sanders counties.
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Cotter’s case serves as a warning, emphasizing the value of honesty and responsibility in the legal field. In addition to upsetting his personal and professional lives, his departure and the accusations against him have sparked debate about the procedures and protections put in place to guarantee the moral behavior of people in positions of public trust.
The case will serve as a reminder of the high standards expected of those who seek to enforce the law as the legal proceedings progress.
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