Montana Man's Sentence Jeopardy Over Alleged Assault

Caleb Covey, a 39-year-old resident of Yaak, Montana, is currently in county jail, facing potential revocation of a 20-year suspended sentence handed down in June. The sentence was originally granted by Flathead County District Judge Amy Eddy, who cited the poor conditions at the Warm Springs State Hospital as a reason to avoid custody, opting instead for probation. However, Covey's release is now in question following his arrest on November 10 for allegedly breaking into a woman's home and assaulting her.

Prosecutors, led by Deputy County Attorney Jeff Zwang, are arguing for the revocation based on alleged violations of Covey's probation terms. These violations include purportedly obtaining and abusing Wellbutrin, an antidepressant, which a physician warned could render his antipsychotic medication ineffective. He is also accused of contacting a county jail inmate to assist with a prescription, violating a condition that prohibited contact with individuals in law enforcement custody.

During initial arguments on Monday, Covey, represented by Scott B. Johnson, expressed confusion over the court documents. An adjudicatory hearing is scheduled for December 23, where Judge Eddy will determine if Covey will be committed to the state hospital for 25 years, as recommended by his probation officer, or if his sentence will be reinstated in some other form. A new order also prohibits Covey from contacting his mother, who allegedly drove him to the scene of the recent assault.