Deputy jailed on assault, domestic abuse charges

A deputy with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is facing felony charges stemming from a domestic disturbance on Dec. 15.

Todd Adams, 37, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court at Polson Jan. 2 to felony charges that include assault with a weapon, kidnapping and misdemeanor partner or family member assault.

According to charging documents filed by Thorin A. Geist with the Montana Attorney General’s office, detectives with the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office were called on Dec. 20 to assist Lake County with an investigation after the victim's bruising was reported by a coworker.

The investigation determined that on Dec. 15, Adams, his wife and daughter had gone to another relative’s home for a family dinner. There was a verbal altercation, and charging documents allege that Adams discharged a firearm into the air.

The mother and daughter returned to their residence and Adams arrived home about 10 minutes later, where the victim told officers that alcohol was consumed and that she wanted to get away from the situation.

When she went to leave, Adams attempted to stop her and eventually placed her in what she described as a “law enforcement hold.” He allegedly brought her to the ground and placed her in handcuffs. She stated that Adams then put her in the bathtub and “waterboarded” her.

According to the victim, he sprayed her in the face with the shower head while he repeatedly asked her if she was “done.” Once she agreed, she said Adams stopped spraying her, uncuffed her, and told her to go to bed. She did as instructed.

The Missoula County Sheriff’s detectives documented bruises on the alleged victim’s wrists, elbow and upper arm. She confirmed that her children were present when the incident occurred.

Judge John A. Mercer set the case for trial May 12. Adams remains in the Missoula County Jail with bail set at $100,000.