Reagan sentenced for domestic disturbance

A Polson man and former fighter pilot with the U. S. Marines Corp. was sentenced in Polson District Court on Jan. 11 to a total of 10 years with the Montana Department of Corrections.

William Thomas Reagan, 68, was also sentenced to one year in jail with all but 30 days suspended as credit for time already served.

Reagan entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court Oct. 26, 2023, to two counts of felony criminal endangerment and one misdemeanor count of partner or family member assault. The plea was entered as part of a plea agreement that amended the charges. Reagan was initially charged with felony assault on a peace or judicial officer, and misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and partner or family member assault.

According to court records, on Sept. 20, 2023, Undersheriff Ben Woods responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a residence in the Finley Point area. The alleged victim explained that Reagan had been drinking all day and arguing with her.

She said she separated herself from Reagan and locked herself in a bedroom, but Reagan kicked the door down causing damage to the door frame and “goaded” her into a physical fight.

Reagan was in a shop on the property when Woods took the woman’s statement. The undersheriff went to the shop and Reagan immediately began yelling at him. Woods explained that he just wanted to talk, but Reagan refused to listen.

As Reagan advanced toward Woods, the undersheriff warned Reagan to back off before deploying his stun gun from about nine feet away. Reagan was struck in the chest, pulled the barbs out of his chest, and continued to advance. The two collided and began what Woods described as a “17-minute-long” fight until backup arrived.

Woods suffered scratches to his face, a small fracture in his elbow and a torn tricep tendon where Reagan bit Woods during the altercation.

Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher presided.