Three brothers pleaded guilty today in connection with the beating of a member of the Blackfeet Nation of Montana.

Todd, Brian and Aron Molenda attacked Ron Rides at the Door, who also serves as a commissioner in Glacier County, at a bar in September 2008. The brothers allegedly yelled anti-Indian slurs at Rides at the Door and his wife after Rides at the Door tried to stop a fight.

The case generated significant controversy because the brothers were initially charged with misdemeanors. The county attorney also declined to lay hate crimes charges.

After a review by the state, the charges were upgraded to felonies. But Aron and Brian Molenda pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and are expected to serve jail time.

Todd Molenda pleaded guilty to a felony that could carry a longer sentence.

Get the Story:
Molendas plead guilty to assault (The Great Falls Tribune 1/27)

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