In two separate cases before Judge Karen Orzech in Missoula Justice Court on Monday, two women were charged with felony assault, one with a baseball bat against a former boyfriend.

Court documents indicate that on Saturday, 45 year-old  Heather Louise Portner struck her former boyfriend with a baseball bat after driving to his home in Lolo. She struck him on the leg and on the left side of his face with the bat, and when the victim took the bat from her and threw it away, the defendant left the scene.

Deputy Missoula County Attorney Selene Koepke explained why she asked Judge Orzech for bail to be set at $5,000.

"We think she may be a danger to the community and to the victim," Koepke said. "The defendant may have some mental health issues. Someone has been sending some odd texts to the victim, which ended just after the defendant was taken into custody."

Judge Orzech agreed, and bond was set at $5,000. The Missoula County Jail roster indicates that Portner posted bond and was released with the stipulation that she have no contact with her ex-boyfriend. Her next court appearance will be June 2.

Justine Smith
photo by Peter Christian
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The second woman, 30 year-old Justine Smith, is accused of felony aggravated burglary and misdemeanor criminal mischief and assault, after allegedly breaking down the door of a residence on South 14th Street West in Missoula on Friday, May 15. Court documents indicate that Smith, who is on felony probation for endangering the welfare of a child, kicked down the front door and assaulted a male inside the home. When she was apprehended by police, her blood alcohol level was .2.

Deputy County Attorney Keopke asked Judge Orzech for $25,000 bail due to the probation violation and the felony burglary charge. Orzech placed Smith back in jail on $20,000 bail. Her next court appearance will also be on June 2.

 

 

 

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