Ryan Tuff was sentenced in 20th District Judicial Court on Tuesday. Judge James Manley sentenced Tuff to five years in the Montana State Prison, with credit for 324 days served. Tuff was charged with criminal possession of dangerous drugs after being pulled over in a vehicle with another felon on probation early last year. Drugs were found inside the vehicle. According to the judge, Tuff had more than 25 prior felonies over 20 years in multiple states, with some still pending. Before sentencing, Tuff rose to speak, saying it was a lapse of judgment on his part, and that he was not aware of the fact that the other person in the car with him was also on probation. “You’ve been given so many chances with over 15 prior convictions,” Judge Manley stated.

Also to appear in court was William Butte, who was sentenced for felony criminal endangerment. Butte was originally charged with felony charge of sexual assault against a minor. According to the court, Butte will not be required to register as a sexual offender under the amended charge. The reasoning the judge gave was that the charge that he pleaded to does not reflect the imposition of the registration. Butte was given a three-year suspended sentence with the Department of Corrections.