Lawsuit filed against Hill County attorney

Martha Hernandez of Havre filed a lawsuit Friday against Hill County on grounds of gross incompetence by the county attorney.

The complaint file says County Attorney Jessica Cole-Hodgkinson’s “negligence” and “unpreparedness” was the reason assault charges against Hernandez’ former boyfriend, Eric James Hawley, were dismissed.

Cole-Hodgkinson failed to properly subpoena and contact available and willing witnesses to the crime, the complaint says.

The alleged assailant “violently attacked” Hernandez, files say, and her two sons, 13 and 16, were witnesses. The younger son called 911 at the time,...