Felony charging papers: Mont. senator’s alcohol level twice legal limit after boat crash

Mont. legislator faces 3 felonies in boat crash

HELENA, Mont. — Prosecutors have filed felony charges against Montana state Sen. Greg Barkus, accusing him of having a blood-alcohol level twice the legal limit after an August boat crash in which five people were seriously injured, including U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg.

Court documents filed Wednesday say Barkus faces charges of criminal endangerment, negligent vehicular assault and negligent vehicular assault, each with a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

The Flathead County attorney contends Barkus knowingly, while intoxicated, engaged in conduct that created substantial risk of death to passengers — including one who was left in a coma.

Documents filed Wednesday say Barkus’ blood-alcohol level was 0.16 percent almost two hours after the accident on Flathead Lake. The legal limit for operating a motor vehicle is .08 percent.