Montana Sen. Shannon Augare (D). Photo Montana Legislature

Montana Sen. Shannon Augare (D), a member of the Blackfeet Nation, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to federal charges of drunken driving, obstructing a peace officer and reckless driving.

The case stem from an incident on the reservation. But Augare was charged under the federal Assimilated Crimes Act, which allows federal prosecutors to charge people for violating crimes under state law.

"It's an unprecedented assertion of federal jurisdiction," Joe McKay, Augare's attorney, told the Associated Press.

Augare was initially stopped by a county sheriff but allegedly disputed the officer's jurisdiction in Indian Country and drove away. The U.S. Attorney in Montana eventually took up the case.

Augare has been excused from committee work in the Legislature pending resolution of the case. He also serves on the Blackfeet council.

Get the Story:
Augare pleads not guilty in federal court: Prosecutors charged senator with several misdemeanors (The Great Falls Tribune 7/17)
Montana lawmaker pleads not guilty to DUI, obstruction (AP 7/16)

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Blackfeet Nation council member charged with drunk driving (06/24)
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Editorial: Tribes should share driving records with Montana (6/17)
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