Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town

Chapter 29 focuses on the legal and social aftermath following the acquittal of Jordan Johnson. The chapter recounts how athletes, particularly football players, are often shielded from accountability for their actions, and it describes the role that community and institutional support plays in enabling their behavior. When Pat Williams, a Montana Regent, criticizes the university’s recruitment of athletes with problematic behavior, it leads to controversy and public backlash.

Meanwhile, Donaldson attempts to reduce his sentence for rape despite having agreed not to appeal as part of his plea deal. The emotional testimonies of Huguet and Hillary McLaughlin underscore the trauma they endured and the injustice of Donaldson seeking leniency.

The Missoula Police Department and the University of Montana agree to cooperate with the DOJ’s investigation into the handling of sexual assault cases in Missoula and implement recommended changes. However, Van Valkenburg refuses to comply, asserting that the DOJ has no authority over his office. Despite efforts by the DOJ to reach an agreement, Van Valkenburg remains defiant, leading to a lawsuit against the federal government. The DOJ responds by releasing a scathing report detailing the failures of Van Valkenburg’s office in addressing sexual assault cases, including accusations of indifference and mistreatment of survivors.