Daniel Duffey Stalking Conviction: GOP Strategist Found Guilty
- daniel Duffey, a former Republican political strategist in Montana, was found guilty on two counts of stalking, according to court reports.
- The case also involved the creation of a fake Grindr profile under the victim's name, inviting app users to engage in sexual activity with him at his wedding,...
- Duffey previously served as political director for Greg Gianforte's 2020 gubernatorial campaign but was terminated after an incident involving damage to a parked car.
Former Montana Republican strategist Daniel Duffey has been found guilty of stalking, marking a meaningful growth in a case involving harassment adn intimidation.Duffey’s actions, which included sending threatening messages and creating a fake online profile, culminated in a conviction on two counts of stalking. The judge expressed concerns about Duffey’s behavior, leading to his pre-sentencing detention. This verdict,reported by News Directory 3,highlights the consequences of stalking and the importance of holding individuals accountable.The case underscores the severe impact of online harassment. Discover what’s next for Duffey’s sentencing and the implications of this case.
Former Montana Republican Strategist Convicted of Stalking
Updated June 01, 2025
daniel Duffey, a former Republican political strategist in Montana, was found guilty on two counts of stalking, according to court reports. Prosecutors successfully argued that Duffey engaged in a campaign of harassment against the victim and his family, using text messages and letters.
The case also involved the creation of a fake Grindr profile under the victim’s name, inviting app users to engage in sexual activity with him at his wedding, witnesses testified. The Montana political operative’s actions led to his conviction.
Duffey previously served as political director for Greg Gianforte’s 2020 gubernatorial campaign but was terminated after an incident involving damage to a parked car. He also worked on other Republican campaigns and for the Montana Legislature.
The harassment began after a University of Montana football game in 2023, were Duffey and the victim had a pleasant exchange. When the victim didn’t respond to an invitation for a beer, Duffey’s behavior turned aggressive.
In a text message, duffey stated, “I’m not sure what happened man. I thought we clicked…I thought it would be cool to be friends.”
later,Duffey accused the victim of sexual assault in another text: “Seriously man,that sucks. I don’t know how you go from [being] all over me and sexually assaulting me to pretending like I don’t even exist. If you’re embarrassed about what happened you shouldn’t be.”
The victim denied these allegations, calling Duffey’s version of events “fictitious” during his testimony. Law enforcement and witnesses corroborated that they were unaware of any prior sexual assault claims against the victim.
Duffey’s texts escalated, with one message stating, “[H]onestly the more you treat me like shit and make me think that this is all in my head and I’m going crazy, the crazier I am going to act…My only hope is that I put you in as much pain and ruin your life the way you’ve ruined mine.”
Prosecutors detailed how Duffey sent a letter to the victim’s mother-in-law, referencing his work in Republican politics, military service in Afghanistan, and volunteer work in Ukraine. The letter included photos of Duffey with prominent Republican figures.
Around the time of the victim’s wedding in February 2024, duffey posted flyers with the victim’s name and photo, accusing him of sexual assault.He also created the fake Grindr profile, soliciting sexual encounters at the wedding.
On the wedding day, Duffey sent a threatening text to the couple: “[I]t should be pretty obvious by now, that this isn’t going to end tonight when you get married, this goes on for years until I see [the victim] behind bars or paying me so much money you’ll never be able to do anything nice again.”
The victim reported Duffey’s behavior to police in January 2024. Duffey was arrested near a wedding event, with law enforcement finding a handgun, poster board, and flyers in his car, according to prosecutors. He pleaded not guilty but did not testify. The jury reached a guilty verdict in under an hour.
district Court judge Dan Wilson expressed concern over Duffey’s lack of self-restraint: “The evidence in this case convinces the court that,with very little if any provocation,he engaged on a monthslong campaign of assailing the character,the safety of a person he knew for a very short time before engaging in this campaign…There’s no rhyme or reason for the conduct…it is the court’s genuine concern that…Mr. Duffey has a tremendous incentive…to prevent him from engaging in similar conduct in the immediate future.”
Due to these concerns, Judge Wilson ordered Duffey to be incarcerated until his sentencing, scheduled for July 10.The case highlights the dangers of stalking and harassment, and the importance of seeking help when targeted.
What’s next
Duffey will remain in custody until his sentencing on July 10, where the court will determine the appropriate punishment for his stalking conviction. The victim and his family hope for a resolution that ensures thier safety and well-being.