Bar Owner, Bartender Charged With Over Serving That Led To Traffic Death

The owner of the Alcan Bar in Frenchtown, Tom Porter and a bartender, Jade Thomas, were charged in Justice Court on Monday with over serving a customer, Erika Ringleb who died later that day as the result of a traffic accident. An investigation into the crash stated that Ringleb’s blood alcohol level was three times over the legal limit. Court records say that Porter claimed Ringleb was not in the bar that day. I spoke with Missoula Deputy County Attorney Jennifer Clark on Tuesday about the charges against Porter and Thomas. That interview is attached.

Porter is also charged with obstructing a peace officer for allegedly lying about Ringleb’s presence at the Alcan Bar.