HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – The Independent Record reports that a Helena man accused of threatening restaurant employees with a gun after being asked to wear a mask has signed a plea agreement with the state Attorney General’s Office.
Rodney Robert Smith is expected to admit to disturbing the peace and will have to pay a $50 fine and $75 in fees.
Smith was initially charged with felony assault with a weapon, which could have put him behind bars for up to 20 years, as well as three misdemeanors.
The incident occurred in November 2020, while the state was under a mask mandate.
The case was turned over to the Attorney General’s Office after Lewis and Clark County Attorney Leo Gallagher refused to drop two misdemeanor concealed carry charges.
