Daniel Edward Duffey has been a Republican political strategist for years. He was the political director for Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte’s 2020 campaign before being fired due to a sort-of road rage incident. He was working with Montana Policy Action, a c4 that seems to be electioneering more than the permissible “less than half.” They are a policy group that don’t have a single policy on their site. Duffey has been charged with two counts of stalking, one a felony count.
When denying Duffey’s request for reducing his $50,000 bail, Judge Dan Wilson said, “The range of behaviors alleged and for which there’s probable cause to believe is so wide and so concerning and apparently – at least the context so far presented to the court – without any sort of rational explanation and beyond the bounds of rational beliefs…It’s the court’s finding that Mr. Duffey presents a real threat and danger to the safety of the community.”
Allegedly, the complainant met Duffey at a football game. The two discovered they both liked rugby. Duffey texted the guy about a rugby connection and to invite him for a beer. The guy ignored Duffey who then began a campaign of harassment, accusing the guy of sexually assaulting him, printing flyers with the man’s picture and the text “I sexually assault men.” He posts these allegations on the man’s wedding website, wrote to his future in-laws, contacted his family, employers, co-workers, a local rugby team and their sponsors with his allegations.
His trial is scheduled for July 2024.