Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town

Cecilia Washburn is a junior at the University of Montana at the time of her alleged rape by Jordan Johnson, the school’s star quarterback. Initially hesitant to involve law enforcement, Washburn seeks medical care at the First Step Resource Center, where she undergoes a forensic exam. Despite her reluctance, she ultimately decides to report the assault to the university but not to the police, fearing media exposure. The university immediately launches an investigation, which shakes Johnson, leading him to seek reassurance from his football coach, Robin Pflugrad. As the investigation progresses, Washburn’s fear intensifies, culminating in her filing a restraining order against Johnson after a chance encounter on campus. This restraining order is later replaced by a civil no-contact order, allowing Johnson to resume football practice, much to the dismay of Washburn’s attorney. The situation escalates further when the story breaks in the media, sparking public outcry and further complicating the already tense atmosphere in Missoula.

Rumors begin to circulate that Donaldson previously attempted to rape another woman, Hillary McLaughlin, in 2008. Initially, McLaughlin chose not to report the assault, opting instead to try to move past the traumatic experience. However, after hearing about Donaldson’s arrest on the news, McLaughlin is compelled to come forward with the harrowing story of her assault, recognizing that she has been living with the unresolved trauma for years and hoping to prevent further assaults by Donaldson.

After Donaldson is released on bail, the prosecution, led by Deputy County Attorney Shaun Donovan, engages in lengthy plea negotiations with Donaldson’s defense attorney, Milt Datsopoulos. Despite Donaldson’s confession, the Huguet family grows increasingly concerned that Donovan might agree to a lenient sentence, allowing Donaldson to serve minimal time in a minimum-security facility rather than face a harsher penalty at the state penitentiary. Donovan appears reluctant to push for a severe sentence and evinces a dismissive attitude toward the Huguet family’s desire for justice. Navigating the complexities of the legal system takes an emotional toll on Allison Huguet, who feels betrayed by a prosecutor who seems more sympathetic to the defendant than to her as the survivor. The tension escalates as Donovan and the Huguet family clash over the potential outcomes of the case, with Donovan emphasizing the challenges of securing a conviction while the Huguets demand accountability for Donaldson’s actions.

While Huguet managed to repress much of the trauma from the rape initially, the constant reminders and public scrutiny after Donaldson’s arrest intensify her anxiety, paranoia, and nightmares. Despite widespread rumors accusing her of lying and seeking attention, Huguet remains resolute in her pursuit of justice, though the stress significantly affects her mental health.

Huguet, feeling increasingly unsupported by Deputy Prosecutor Shaun Donovan, particularly struggles with a proposed plea deal, which she finds too lenient given the severity of Donaldson’s crime. Eventually, Huguet and her family express their dissatisfaction directly to County Attorney Fred Van Valkenburg, leading to a heated exchange that results in Van Valkenburg taking over the case personally.

Johnson’s legal defense, led by prominent attorney David Paoli, aggressively contests the university’s investigation and disciplinary process. Paoli employs private investigators and mounts a vigorous defense, challenging the university’s use of the “preponderance of evidence” standard, which the US Department of Education mandates in sexual assault cases. Despite initial findings by Dean Charles Couture that support Washburn’s allegations, Paoli’s legal maneuvers ultimately lead to Johnson’s expulsion being overturned by Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian. Johnson is reinstated as a student and athlete, a decision that brings relief to his supporters but disillusionment to those advocating for accountability.