AG Knudsen Faces Pressure Over Wardle Plea | Butte News

Montana’s Attorney General Austin Knudsen is under pressure to stop a controversial plea deal in Gallatin County involving Christopher Wardle, accused of assaulting and strangling his wife Catherine Sorensen. The proposed agreement would dismiss serious charges—including strangulation—in exchange for lesser offenses, with a suspended sentence meaning no jail time. Sorensen’s family and friends are rallying online, demanding Knudsen intervene, calling the deal “terrible.” Knudsen has publicly sided with them, citing widespread local outcry and pointing to a history of legal clashes with the county attorney’s office, including a pending Supreme Court case over jurisdiction. Sorensen died in February last year after being struck by a vehicle, with her death still under investigation. The county has declined to comment, citing pending sentencing on August 6th. This case also underscores a deeper rift between state and county prosecutors, especially over immigration enforcement, with Knudsen asserting state oversight—a conflict that could shape future legal precedents. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f74ea49d5f1e1eb1