Missoula, MT — A Flathead County jury on Friday found Daniel Duffey, a 40-year-old political strategist from Billings, guilty on two counts of stalking. The verdict followed a four-day trial during which prosecutors presented evidence of a months-long campaign of harassment involving texts, emails, letters, and incendiary flyers.
According to court records and testimony, Duffey repeatedly sent unwanted messages to the victim, the victim’s spouse, and other family members. The harassment intensified during the couple’s wedding celebrations in late 2023 and early 2024, culminating in Duffey traveling to Flathead County to further engage in the campaign.
Flathead County Attorney Travis Ahner and other prosecutors detailed the nature of Duffey’s conduct, which they described as baseless and relentless. Witnesses, including police officers and detectives from the Whitefish Police Department, testified that no formal sexual assault complaint had been filed by Duffey, despite his claims.
The victim, who took the stand as a key witness, categorically denied allegations of sexual assault made by Duffey. Text messages entered into evidence revealed that the two men initially shared friendly communication after meeting at a University of Montana football game in November 2023. However, the relationship deteriorated when the victim did not reciprocate Duffey’s attempts to deepen the friendship.
In some messages, Duffey expressed confusion and frustration, eventually accusing the victim of sexual assault—claims the victim refuted and which police confirmed had not been formally investigated.
“I thought it would be cool to be friends,” Duffey wrote in an early message. Later, his tone shifted sharply, culminating in threats aimed at the victim. “You’ve made very clear you don’t give a f— about me and what happens to me, and now I’m going to return the favor,” Duffey said.
Presiding Judge Dan Wilson set Duffey’s sentencing for July 10 and revoked his previous release conditions, including a GPS monitor, citing the danger Duffey poses to the public. “The evidence convinces the court that with little provocation, he engaged in a months-long campaign attacking the character and safety of a person he barely knew,” Wilson said. “This conduct is far outside the bounds of acceptable behavior.”
Duffey will remain in custody until sentencing.
