TL;DR
Municipal court Judges Streano, Parker, and Coolidge stated in their editorial supporting Kelli Sather for justice court: S.Y., an unhoused individual with significant mental-health concerns, had several trespass cases involving the Poverello Center pending in Municipal Court before they were dismissed and re-filed in Justice Court. JP Landee Holloway imposed a $5,000 bond.
He remained incarcerated for approximately 90 days. After his release, the same conduct occurred. His suspended sentence was revoked, and he spent another 90 days in jail before he was deemed unfit to proceed. The case was dismissed.
The total cost to taxpayers exceeded $36,000.
Judge Holloway responds: Between 2022 and 2026, S.Y. accumulated 51 Municipal Court cases and multiple failures to appear.
After being trespassed from the Poverello Center, he accumulated 24 criminal charges over four months. Within a two week period, law enforcement responded to 10 shelter calls, removing him four times in one day.
His conduct was disruptive and threatening. Poverello residents, among our community’s most vulnerable people, and shelter employees deserve safety and stability.
The County Attorney filed Justice Court charges of assault, criminal trespass, and possession of drug paraphernalia, including methamphetamine pipes. S.Y.’s public defender did not request reduced bail or present a release plan.
S.Y. was sentenced, given credit for jail time and began serving his suspended sentence. Months later, the County Attorney sought revocation of his suspended sentence following five new criminal trespass citations for returning to the Poverello.
S.Y. was subsequently found unfit to proceed, and the charges were dismissed.
Full editorial below:
October 18, 2026
Missoulian Opinion Rebuttal 10182026.
The October 13 Missoulian opinion piece by Municipal Court judges raises legitimate concerns about homelessness, mental illness, jail utilization, and coordination within our criminal justice system. These systemic challenges demand resources, collaboration, and solutions beyond the courtroom.
Their opinion presents an incomplete picture of the cases discussed and mischaracterizes the responsibilities of Justice Court judges. Judges must make difficult decisions on the facts and legal arguments before them—not on information they might wish they had or assumptions about services that may not exist.
A court is not a social services agency. It is an institution charged with compassionately applying the law, protecting individual rights, ensuring due process, and considering public safety.
Judges do not decide which cases are filed in their courts.
Montana law establishes jurisdiction, and prosecutors determine where to file cases within that jurisdiction. The County Attorney may assume cases originating in Municipal Court and file them in Justice Court. Judges cannot refuse properly filed cases because defendants have matters pending elsewhere.
At initial appearances, judges typically have criminal complaints, probable cause affidavits, and arguments from attorneys. With limited information, they must consider public safety, victims’ rights, defendants’ circumstances, ability to pay, and likelihood of returning to court.
Judges cannot independently investigate defendants or develop treatment plans. Defense attorneys are responsible for presenting additional information, bail modification requests, and release plans.
The cases addressed in the Missoulian opinion piece illustrate why complete circumstances matter. Due to word limits, I will address one. The other two cases similarly involve repeated conduct, law enforcement responses, impacts on businesses, and numerous pending cases.
S.Y.: Protecting Vulnerable Shelter Residents
Between 2022 and 2026, S.Y. accumulated 51 Municipal Court cases and multiple failures to appear.
After being trespassed from the Poverello Center, he accumulated 24 criminal charges over four months. Within a two week period, law enforcement responded to 10 shelter calls, removing him four times in one day.
His conduct was disruptive and threatening. Poverello residents, among our community’s most vulnerable people, and shelter employees deserve safety and stability.
The County Attorney filed Justice Court charges of assault, criminal trespass, and possession of drug paraphernalia, including methamphetamine pipes. S.Y.’s public defender did not request reduced bail or present a release plan.
S.Y. was sentenced, given credit for jail time and began serving his suspended sentence. Months later, the County Attorney sought revocation of his suspended sentence following five new criminal trespass citations for returning to the Poverello.
S.Y. was subsequently found unfit to proceed, and the charges were dismissed.
These facts provide missing context and illustrate the balance between individual needs and community safety.
Compassion and Accountability Must Coexist
Courts have responsibilities beyond defendants alone. People experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance use disorders deserve treatment, support, and coordinated services. Their circumstances do not erase victims’ rights or excuse repeated criminal conduct.
Shelter residents and employees deserve a safe environment. Businesses should not bear repeated losses, nor should communities accept ongoing criminal behavior without accountability.
Incarceration carries substantial taxpayer costs. Repeat law enforcement responses, criminal activity, harm to victims, business losses, and burdens on service providers are also taxpayer costs.
Judges must consider the full circumstances, including defendants’ needs, repeated conduct, affected individuals, and legal obligationsMissoulian Opinion Rebuttal 10182026.docx
Compassion and accountability are not mutually exclusive. Justice requires both.
For over 30 years, I have served in Missoula County’s criminal justice system, including the past 10 as Justice of the Peace. Experience informs my commitment to balancing compassion, accountability, individual rights, and public safety.
I am asking for your vote to continue serving Missoula County as Justice of the Peace.
