Savage pleads not-guilty to more charges

Dan James (D.J.) Savage, Jr., pleaded not guilty to four charges Monday morning, including three felonies. 

Savage, 34, was arrested on a charge of partner-family assault, the third time he had faced such a charge, making it a felony with a stiff penalty.

However, the charges had grown against Savage in the 38 days he had been in jail. He now faced a felony count of tampering with witnesses, a felony count of stalking and a misdemeanor count of criminal mischief.

Judge James B. Wheelis made clear to Savage that the charges would accumulate, not to be served concurrently. If found guilty on all charges, Savage could face a maximum of 20 years and six months in a Montana State Prison, with the possibility of no parole.

The omnibus hearing is set for Aug. 13.