State v. Blake

¶1 Theron James Blake appeals an order of the Tenth Judicial District Court, Fergus County, denying his motion to dismiss charges against him. We address:

Whether the District Court prejudiced Blake when it conducted an in-chambers conference in Blake’s absence.

¶2 We affirm.

PROCEDURAL AND FACTUAL BACKGROUND

¶3 On January 9, 2013, the State of Montana filed an Information charging Blake with eight offenses: seven sex offenses involving three alleged victims—two minors, B.S. and L.L., and one adult, K.L.—and one offense of tampering with evidence. Blake pled not guilty to all eight charges, and a…