Laurel Officer Charged With Assault

Laurel Police officer Jim Huertas has been placed on leave after he was arrested and charged with assault for kicking his girlfriend until she lost consciousness.  The 46-year-old Huertas pleaded not guilty in Billings Municipal Court.  He was jailed in lieu of a $500 bond and ordered to have no contact with the victim, according to Billings Deputy City Attorney Benjamin Halverson.  Appearing Monday before Municipal Judge Sheila Kolar, Halverson stressed the importance of the no contact order between Huertas and the victim.

Billings Police officers spoke with her at Billings Clinic.  The woman said she and Huertas argued over the phone on Sunday afternoon, and when she returned to the apartment which they shared, Huertas had blocked the door with suitcases.  When she got inside, Huertas allegedly punched her multiple times before pushing her to the ground and kicking her in the ribs until she was unconscious.