Judge dismisses felony assault case against Bigfork man
DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 months, 3 weeks AGO
NEWS EDITOR Derrick Perkins serves as News Editor at the Daily Inter Lake. He oversees daily news coverage and works closely with reporters to plan, edit and publish stories across print and digital platforms. Perkins helps coordinate coverage of local government, public safety, business and community developments throughout Northwest Montana. He works with the reporting staff to strengthen journalism while maintaining consistent daily coverage. His role helps ensure the newsroom delivers timely, accurate reporting that readers rely on. IMPACT: Derrick’s work keeps readers informed about the decisions and events shaping their communities every day. | December 2, 2025 11:00 PM
A Bigfork man accused of attacking another man with a metal pipe in 2024 later saw the case against him dismissed.
Prosecutors brought Ben William Hatch, 44, up counts of felony assault with a weapon and misdemeanor criminal mischief following the alleged Aug. 10, 2024 confrontation on Sunset Drive. He pleaded not guilty at his Aug. 22 arraignment before Judge Danni Coffman in Flathead County District Court.
On Feb. 12 2025, Deputy County Attorney John Donovan filed a motion to dismiss the case "in the interest of justice."
Coffman ordered the case dismissed with prejudice that same day.
News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected].
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