HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – A Havre resident faced his arraignment on Monday in Hill County District Court after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and threatening law enforcement.
43-year-old Rick Valdez pleaded not guilty to the felonies of Partner or Family Member Assault and Threats and Other Improper Influence in Official and Political Matters. He also pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor resisting arrest.
An affidavit filed in court alleges that on January 24, 2020, Valdez threw his girlfriend to the floor and threatened to kill her. The victim ran away out of fear for her safety before contacting authorities. She told officers Valdez had abused her on previous occasions.
Valdez refused to comply with Havre Police Officer orders when they arrived at the apartment. After Valdez threatened physical violence on a Sergeant, he was Tased, handcuffed and transported to the Hill County Detention Center.
Valdez continued to refuse to be cooperative after he was placed in his cell, as he allegedly attempted to kick an officer. After being assisted to the ground, Valdez directed profanities, slurs and death threats at the officer.
Valdez has been convicted of Partner or Family Member Assault on at least five previous occasions, most recently in 2011 in Missoula County District Court.
He remains in the Hill County Detention Center on $25,000 bond.
