BUTTE — The owner of a Butte bar faces charges after he allegedly told patrons to riot when police attempted to shut down the bar over the weekend.
Ted Deshner faces misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and obstructing police after police received a complaint that his bar, the Party Palace, did not close at 12:30 a.m. Saturday under Gov. Steve Bullock's COVID-19 directive.
Deshner is accused of telling patrons over a loudspeaker not to leave and to riot if police try to make them leave.
Deshner was arrested and patrons left the bar without incident. Deshner has been released on bond.