Judge releases edited Barkus boat crash report

HELENA — A state judge has released a heavily redacted investigative report in the 2009 boat crash that injured U.S. Senate candidate Denny Rehberg.

The 155-page document released Wednesday is a 2011 presentencing investigation report compiled after the boat's driver, state Sen. Greg Barkus, pleaded guilty to felony criminal endangerment.

The report details many facts already known. Barkus piloted the boat into the rocky shore of Flathead Lake at a high rate of speed and with a blood alcohol content that was at least twice the legal limit to drive.

All five people on board were injured, including Rehberg, two aides and Barkus' wife.

Line after line of the report are blacked out to comply with Judge John McKeon's order that the defendant's and victims' personal information not be released.