TC man pleads not guilty to threats, intimidation

A Trout Creek man made his initial appearance in 20th District Judicial Court on Tuesday, pleading not guilty before Judge Deborah "Kim" Christopher to three charges.

Alton Steinhoff is charged with felony intimidation, felony threats and other improper influence in official and political matters, and one count of misdemeanor privacy in communication. Steinhoff posted bond and has been released. Judge Christopher set a trial date of February 19, 2024, for Steinhoff.

During court on Tuesday, Steinhoff said that he has worked as a hunting guide for 18 years and asked that his conditions of release be amended to allow him to keep working. Judge Christopher granted the request, but Steinhoff is prohibited from carrying a firearm.

According to charging documents, on August 15 the Sanders County Sheriff's Office responded to reports that Steinhoff had posted videos on YouTube and Facebook that depicted him threatening a local justice of the peace as well as other judicial officers of the Sanders County court. In the videos, Steinhoff allegedly stated he would not stop "attacking" and is in "all out war." In another video, he allegedly said the "sheriff's office can't win this war." He was arrested on August 15.

Also on Tuesday, Joshua Galloway entered a not guilty plea to one count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute and a felony theft charge. Court documents state that Galloway and another individual were stopped while driving in Noxon. A vehicle search by a K-9 officer from Lincoln County discovered 10 fentanyl pills on Galloway as well as additional fentanyl and methamphetamine in the vehicle. Court documents allege that Galloway also was in possession of a pop-up camper stolen from Trout Creek in July.

County Attorney Megan Hansen said she opposed Galloway's request for release due to the seriousness of the charge and that Galloway may be a flight risk. Judge Christopher reduced Galloway's bond from $1000,000 to $30,000 and set a trial date of February 19, 2024.