(Helena) – A Helena district court judge has denied suspended Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar’s request to block his removal from office.Judge Mike Menahan ruled that Molnar is unlikely to succeed in his lawsuit against Governor Greg Gianforte, concluding that the commissioner received ample due process but repeatedly chose to ignore it.
The court’s order highlights a monthslong investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation by Molnar. In the ruling, Judge Menahan wrote that Molnar chose to “attack the process” rather than engage in dialogue, adding that the public interest demands a functioning commission free from workplace abuse.
PSC Vice President Jennifer Fielder stated the commission had a duty to act to protect employees, noting that the agency continues to carry out its full workload with its remaining members.
