- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Helena Nurse Accused of Sexual Assault Faces Charge Change
Prosecutors seek to amend complaint against Aaron Gams after discovering law change
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A former St. Peter's Health nurse charged with sexually abusing a patient under his care was scheduled for a change of plea hearing in a Helena courtroom Wednesday. However, the change of plea was put on hold after prosecutors said there needs to be a change in the charge filed against him due to a recent change in Montana law.
Why it matters
This case highlights the complexities that can arise when changes in laws occur between the time of an alleged crime and the filing of charges. Prosecutors must ensure they apply the correct laws, which can impact the charges and potential penalties faced by the accused.
The details
Aaron Gams, a former nurse at St. Peter's Health in Helena, was charged with 'abuse of a vulnerable adult' after a patient accused him of sexually abusing her while she was in the hospital's intensive care unit in July 2023. However, prosecutors discovered that the law they cited in the charge had changed after the alleged abuse took place. The law originally applied to abuse and sexual abuse of 'an older person or person with a developmental disability,' but was expanded in 2023 to include 'vulnerable adults,' which would cover the patient in this case. Since the new law did not have a specific effective date, it went into effect on the next October 1, after the alleged incident. Prosecutors now plan to submit a motion to amend the complaint and change the charge against Gams to 'sexual assault, resulting in bodily injury'.
- The alleged incident occurred in July 2023.
- The Montana legislature approved the law change in the 2023 legislative session.
- The new 'vulnerable adult' definition went into effect on October 1, 2023.
- The change of plea hearing was scheduled for February 19, 2026.
The players
Aaron Gams
A former nurse at St. Peter's Health in Helena who was charged with sexually abusing a patient under his care.
Daniel Baris
The deputy county attorney prosecuting the case against Gams.
Misty Gaubatz
The attorney representing Gams.
Michael McMahon
The state District Court Judge presiding over the case.
The patient
A patient at St. Peter's Health who accused Gams of sexually abusing her while she was in the hospital's intensive care unit.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
If the judge allows the change to the charge, Gams will be scheduled for an arraignment on the new charge of 'sexual assault, resulting in bodily injury' on March 4.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of prosecutors staying up-to-date on changes in laws, as well as the complexities that can arise when new legislation is enacted after an alleged crime has occurred. The outcome could have significant implications for the charges and potential penalties faced by the accused.
