BUTTE, Mont. — A former associate athletic director for Montana Tech is now facing additional charges, including sex trafficking and drug distribution, after his initial arrest on drug-related charges last year. Nicholas Kelly Bowsher, who had been incarcerated for nearly a month on a bench warrant, appeared in Butte-Silver Bow District Court on Thursday for a hearing.
Bowsher entered not guilty pleas to multiple felony charges, including sex trafficking, patronizing a victim of sex trafficking, and a new charge of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs. These new charges come on top of the previous allegations involving drug distribution, as well as 14 other charges related to drug possession with intent to distribute.
During the hearing, the court reviewed a series of violations of Bowsher’s release conditions. The defense admitted to some of the violations, and following arguments from both sides, Judge Frank Joseph maintained Bowsher’s bond at $250,000, which he has already posted. Despite acknowledging the release violations, Judge Joseph found that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to support new criminal activities that occurred after Bowsher’s initial release.
The prosecution had alleged that Bowsher was involved in a drug deal on the night of November 11, one day before a fentanyl overdose occurred at a residence he owns in Butte. However, the defense presented a lease agreement between Bowsher and his tenant, Anthony St. John, which appeared legitimate to the court. The overdose victim, who was not a tenant but rather a guest, was found to have been exposed to fentanyl, methamphetamine, and suspected LSD after a search of the property.
Further complicating the case, law enforcement alleged that Bowsher had met with a known prostitute in the past, paying her for sexual services. Testimony from a Department of Criminal Investigations agent revealed that the woman had described Bowsher as a “Sugar Daddy” and stated he had provided goods or services in exchange for sex. However, the agent could not confirm any monetary transactions on May 8, 2023, the date in question.
Judge Joseph expressed concern over Bowsher’s pattern of violating court orders, including changes to his living arrangements and drug testing provider without prior approval. “You keep doing things without people’s permission, my permission, permission from the court,” Joseph remarked, emphasizing that Bowsher would be on a “short leash” moving forward.
Under the terms of his release, Bowsher is required to seek court permission before leaving Helena, where he will live with his parents. He must follow the most direct route when traveling and provide pre-trial services with a detailed itinerary. Additionally, Bowsher will be subject to GPS monitoring and regular drug testing.
The new charges of sex trafficking allege that between December 1, 2023, and March 19, 2024, Bowsher knowingly solicited clients for a prostitute and provided transportation within the state with the intention of promoting prostitution. The patronizing charge stems from accusations that Bowsher exchanged goods, services, or money for sex with a person he allegedly knew or should have known was a victim of sex trafficking.
Bowsher, who was terminated from his position at Montana Tech last year following the public disclosure of the initial charges, now faces an uncertain legal future. No further court dates have been set at this time.
