A Missoula woman, 41 year-old Laura Batrhrop, appeared in Justice Court on Friday afternoon charged with burglary, sexual assault, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. 

Appearing via video from the Missoula County Jail, Barthrop attempted to carry on a conversation with Judge Marie Anderson, claiming that she and another court employee had conspired to keep another Missoula attorney out of the elected position of Justice of the Peace.

Deputy Missoula County Attorney Brittany Santorno said Barthrop entered Domino's Pizza, where she was specifically forbidden to go, and committed sexual assault on a female employee.

"She grabbed and kissed a female employee while grabbing her crotch and suggesting a sexual act," Santorno said. "The employee managed to push the defendant out the door and called authorities. She was seen leaving in a black car that she had taken for a test drive from the Montana Motor Mall about an hour earlier. She still had the vehicle at nearly midnight when she was found and arrested on two outstanding warrants, the unauthorized use charge and possession of drug paraphernalia."

After muting the microphone coming from the jail, Anderson set bail at $20,000, and ordered Barthrop to appear again on March 25.

More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM