Judge to release edited report on Barkus crash

HELENA (AP) — A judge has ordered the release of an edited version of an investigative report into the 2009 boat crash involving U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg and former state Sen. Greg Barkus.

District Judge John McKeon said in a Wednesday order he agrees with prosecutors that many details of the report should not be released, citing the state's constitutional right to privacy.

Barkus crashed his boat on Flathead Lake's rocky shores after a night of drinking, injuring four passengers. On board were Rehberg, Barkus, the former senator's wife and two Rehberg staffers.

The judge notes that both Barkus and Rehberg are public officials. Rehberg is involved in a high-profile U.S. Senate race.

The Associated Press had filed a request for the presentence investigation report, citing the public's constitutional right to know.