Montana Sen. Shannon Augare (D). Photo Montana Legislature
A council member for the Blackfeet Nation of Montana pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday after losing a bid to dismiss the charges against him. Shannon Augare, who also serves as a state senator, was charged in connection with a drunken driving incident on the reservation. He argued that the federal government lacked jurisdiction but Magistrate Judge Keith Strong refused to dismiss the case. Augare pleaded guilty to charges of drunken driving, obstructing a peace officer and reckless driving. He admitted that he drove away from a county sheriff after he was observed driving erratically on the reservation. "It's absolutely right for me to take responsibility," Augare said in court, KXLF reported. "I own this guilt." Augare, who already pleaded guilty to similar charges in tribal court, will not serve any jail time but was ordered to pay $1,250 in fines. It's not clear whether he will hold onto his council seat or his legislative seat. Get the Story:
Augare pleads guilty in federal court: Judge waives jail, but fines senator $1,250 (The Great Falls Tribune 11/8)
Augare pleads guilty to DUI and other charges in federal court (KXLF 11/7)
Augare pleads guilty in federal court to DUI (AP 11/7)
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