Jury convicts ex-legislator who ran roadblock of resisting arrest, obstruction, fleeing

LIVINGSTON, Montana — A Park County jury has convicted a former state legislator of resisting arrest, obstruction and fleeing a peace officer for running a roadblock last year.

Joel Boniek had argued he was reacting to a wildfire approaching his home.

He previously claimed the court and county officials lacked legitimacy. At an earlier hearing, he declared he was in charge of the court after a fracas involving his supporters caused the judge to leave abruptly.

The Livingston Enterprise reports Boniek's supporters were generally quiet during Friday's trial.

Park County Justice Court Justice of the Peace Linda Budeski fined Boniek $1,105 and gave him a suspended sentence of 10 days in jail.

Some of his supporters responded to the sentence with anger. One booed.

Boniek says he hasn't decided whether to appeal.

Information from: Livingston Enterprise, http://www.livingstonenterprise.com

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