T. Falls man pleads not guilty to drug charge

Thompson Falls man Raymond Schaefer on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to a charge of criminal possession of dangerous drugs. According to charging documents, Thompson Falls Police received a call of an altercation. Police who responded found a meth pipe on Schaefer's person as well as a pipe for marijuana in his vehicle. There was also an open container of alcohol in his vehicle and it was determined that Schaefer was under the influence during the confrontation. Schaefer’s trial has been set for February 15, 2021.

A Helena man, Andre Levert, appeared before court to plead not guilty to charges of burglary and criminal mischief. According to witnesses, Levert broke into a Thompson Falls residence on February 17, 2019, and “trashed the place.” Levert appeared even though a warrant was out for his arrest, and his trial has also been set for February 15, 2021.

Judge Deborah "Kim" Christopher sentenced Hot Springs man Dalton McFarland on Tuesday. McFarland faced charges of aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, and two counts of person or family member assault. As per a plea agreement, McFarland pleaded guilty to his first two accounts, and the others were dismissed. He was sentenced to six months in jail and 40 hours of counseling. McFarland also received a three-year deferred sentence with the Department of Corrections.