Man pleads not guilty to protest-related disorderly conduct charge
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 4 months AGO
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | June 18, 2020 1:00 AM
A Whitefish man who allegedly yelled at protesters during an incident earlier this month pleaded not guilty on Wednesday in Whitefish Municipal Court.
Jay Snowden, 51, is charged with one count of disorderly conduct after he allegedly confronted protesters downtown.
Demonstrators gathered for several evenings mainly in front of City Hall to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Video of the alleged incident on June 3 has since gone viral and shows what appears to be Snowden yelling profanities in the middle of a group of protesters, including singling out one woman.
About 15 people, many of whom attended the protests, were present in the courtroom on Wednesday.
Municipal Judge William Hileman said there are various ways an individual can commit disorderly conduct, including having a loud argument.
In Snowden’s case, if convicted, Hileman said he is facing a $100 fine, a $85 surcharge and 10 days in the county jail.
Whitefish Police say the group has been “peacefully protesting,” but an officer intervened on June 3 during an incident when Snowden allegedly became confrontational with those who had gathered. Police consulted with the city prosecutor the next day and Snowden was subsequently charged.
Snowden is set to appear in court again for an omnibus hearing on Aug. 18.
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