08/20/2026
Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell is facing growing criticism over plea deals and case dismissals.
In the high-profile Christopher Wardle case, a felony strangulation charge was dropped and the defendant received no jail time. Attorney General Austin Knudsen called the agreement a dangerous message to domestic abusers. The Bozeman Police Protective Association also publicly condemned similar plea deals.
New data shows a sharp rise in dismissals, including a high percentage of assault and Partner Family Member Assault cases that were dismissed or reduced.
Read the full breakdown here:
https://www.gallatinrepublicans.com/cromwell-office-criticism-plea-deals-case-dismissals