Billings Lawyer Sanctioned for Obstruction

Billings lawyer Emily Jones faces court sanctions for attempting to obstruct an investigation by the Commissioner of Political Practices.  Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Kathy Seeley granted the motion for sanctions last Wednesday, saying Jones’ actions [quote] “usurped the Court’s inherent authority to control discovery and trial administration in the interest of fairness and justice.” [end quote]  Jones was accused of trying to intimidate potential witnesses by claiming that they could get into legal trouble for disclosing information about a defunct political consulting firm owned by her husband, former executive director of the Montana Republican Party Jake Eaton.  KTVQ.com reports Jones must pay all attorney fees and expenses related to the motion, and forwarded a copy of her order to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which has jurisdiction over allegations of ethics violations by Montana lawyers.