Beaverhead County Resident Files Lawsuit Challenging Surveillance Cameras at County Dump Sites

DILLON, Mont. — A Lima resident has filed a lawsuit in Montana's Fifth Judicial District Court challenging the use of surveillance cameras at Beaverhead County-operated waste transfer stations, alleging the cameras violate privacy protections under the Montana Constitution.

Chris Brozell of Lima filed the complaint on September 24, 2026, naming Beaverhead County, County Commissioners Tom Rice and Mike McGinley, and Beaverhead County Sheriff David Wendt as defendants.

The lawsuit, filed under Case No. DR-1-2026-15002, seeks the removal of surveillance cameras from county-operated waste transfer stations, monetary damages and a formal apology from the defendants.

Lawsuit Raises Constitutional Privacy Concerns

In the complaint, Brozell argues that surveillance cameras installed at county-operated waste transfer stations violate the privacy rights of Montana residents.

The filing cites Article II, Section 10 of the Montana Constitution, which states:

"The right of individual privacy is essential to the well-being of a free society and shall not be infringed without the showing of a compelling state interest."

Brozell alleges that Beaverhead County has installed surveillance cameras at most county-operated satellite dump stations, with some installations dating back to approximately 2018.

The complaint questions whether the county has demonstrated a compelling public interest justifying the surveillance.

Brozell also alleges that the public has not been offered an adequate explanation of why the cameras are necessary.

These assertions are allegations made by the plaintiff and have not been established as findings by the court.

Plaintiff Claims Surveillance Causes Harm

In the lawsuit, Brozell argues that constitutional privacy protections should not be surrendered without sufficient justification.

The complaint alleges that the cameras have caused continuing harm to residents and contends that government institutions have a responsibility to protect citizens' constitutional rights.

The filing does not provide specific examples of individuals being monitored or describe particular incidents involving the use of camera footage.

Lawsuit Seeks Removal of Cameras and Monetary Damages

Brozell is requesting three forms of relief from the court.

1. Removal of surveillance cameras: Brozell asks the court to declare the surveillance unlawful under the Montana Constitution and order the immediate removal of surveillance devices from county-operated waste transfer stations.

2. Monetary damages: The lawsuit requests damages calculated using the costs of the cameras, software, installation, maintenance and associated data storage and transfer fees dating back to installation. Brozell proposes doubling that amount and directing the money to watchdog organizations, including Amnesty International or the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

3. Formal apology: Brozell requests a formal apology to the people of Montana from the defendants named in the lawsuit.

The filing also includes a demand for a jury trial.

No specific dollar amount is identified in the complaint.

County Officials Named in Lawsuit

The lawsuit names Beaverhead County, Commissioners Tom Rice and Mike McGinley, and Sheriff David Wendt as defendants.

The documents provided do not include responses from the county, commissioners or sheriff regarding the allegations.

They also do not establish whether the defendants have been served, whether any motions have been filed or whether the court has scheduled a hearing.

The filing itself does not establish that the cameras are unlawful. That question would be subject to legal proceedings and any rulings issued by the court.

Case Filed in Beaverhead County District Court

The complaint was filed September 24, 2026, in Montana's Fifth Judicial District Court in Beaverhead County, with District Judge Luke Berger identified in the court heading.

Brozell is listed as representing himself, also known as appearing pro se.

The case raises questions about the balance between government-operated surveillance systems and constitutional privacy protections.

Southwestern Montana News will continue following the case as it proceeds through the court system.

Editor's Note: This article is based on the complaint and accompanying documents provided to Southwestern Montana News. The allegations represent the plaintiff's position and have not been established as facts by the court. No response from the defendants was included in the supplied documents.