Montana Man Faces Felony Harassment Charge After Alleged Confrontation

A 21-year-old Helena man, Jaxton Tayte Collins, faces a felony charge of malicious intimidation or harassment after allegedly shoving a man of Indian descent and telling him to “go back to his country.” Court documents say Collins admitted shouting the remark after leaving a bar but denied shoving the man; witnesses described the incident as frightening. Montana law allows a sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both if he is convicted. One report also says Collins faces a misdemeanor assault charge, while raising questions about how the case intersects with free-speech protections.