Libby man pleads not guilty to stalking state legislator
<p>Dustin James Rounsville arraignment, July 18, 2016.</p>
A Libby man has pleaded not guilty to felony and misdemeanor charges of stalking and violating a restraining order filed by a state legislator.
Dustin Rounsville, of Libby, on Monday pleaded not guilty to two counts of stalking, the first a misdemeanor and the second a felony, along with a misdemeanor violation of a restraining order. District Judge James Wheelis set Rounsville’s omnious hearing for Aug. 22, with bail set at $25,000.
According to court documents, Lincoln County law enforcement officials received a report on June 14 that Rounsville was harassing Montana Representative Jerry Bennett over the phone, threatening the Bennett’s life and the destruction of his property. Two voicemeails turned over to law enforcement included Rounsville allegedly telling Bennett that “there’s a price to be paid,” and that his house would be blown up with dynamite and that Bennett “would be the one hurting.”
When a Lincoln County detective told Rounsville to stop harassing Bennett, Rounsville told the detective that the “Holy Spirit” would be the one harming Bennett. The detective told Rounsville that any further communication with the resident would be subject to charges of tampering with a witness.
Rounsville allegedly left another voicemail for the resident, who later got a restraining order that was issued to Rounsville on June 15. Again, Rounsville left a message for Bennett, allegedly saying he would assault Bennett. According to court documents, Rounsville is well aware that Bennett is an elected official.
On June 22, Rounsville was arrested for tampering with a witness. On Monday, Rounsville pleaded not guilty to both counts of stalking and violating a protection order.
At Monday’s arraignment, Rounsville’s defense attorney Ryan Peabody was denied a reduction of Rounsville’s $25,000 bail. County Attorney Bernard Cassidy opposed the motion, citing pending harassment charges in Oregon.
Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 293-4124 or by email at slarson@dailyinterlake.com.