Plains traffic stop leads to drug charges

Timothy George Johnson made his initial appearance for one felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and one misdemeanor count of criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, entering not guilty pleas to both charges. Judge John Mercer set this matter for a jury trial on April 14, 2025.

On November 8, as alleged in the charging documents, Plains Police Officer Kenny Hamilton initiated a stop on a truck in Plains. The passenger and registered owner of the truck, identified as Johnson, requested to use the bathroom at a nearby restaurant during the stop. While Johnson was using the bathroom, dispatch advised there was an active warrant for him. A pipe and methamphetamine were found in the bathroom after Johnson used it, with Johnson's girlfriend identifying the objects as belonging to him.

Calista Bobbye Drake-Snyder pleaded not guilty during her initial appearance to a felony count of assault with a weapon and a misdemeanor count of partner or family member assault, first offense. A jury trial was set for April 14, 2025, by Judge Mercer.

According to the filed affidavit, on the night of November 2, Deputy Devin Wegener heard a callout paged for a 911 call near Dixon regarding a possible partner or family member assault. Upon his arrival, the alleged victim and his niece claimed that Drake-Snyder had become enraged, threw a pumpkin at the alleged victim, and held a knife to his head. The parties claimed that Drake-Snyder had said “If I’m going to commit a felony, I’m going to make it worth it,” while holding the knife, leading the alleged victim to be afraid for his safety.

Drake-Snyder admitted to throwing the pumpkin, but denied holding the knife to his head. She claimed she had held the knife, but had only stabbed the pumpkin, never approaching the alleged victim. Later, Probation Officer Lance Equall, who was on the phone with Drake-Snyder during the incident, said it sounded like the pumpkin was thrown, but doubted allegations about the knife based on what he could overhear.

Aspen Leann Poston entered a not guilty plea to a felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, with Judge Mercer setting a trial date of April 14, 2025.

On October 23, per the filed affidavit, Deputy Craig McCarthy witnessed a vehicle traveling 57 MPH in a 45 MPH zone, initiating a traffic stop on Main Street in Thompson Falls. When speaking to the driver, Deputy McCarthy smelled the odor of burning marijuana from the vehicle. The backseat passenger, identified as Poston, allegedly admitted to smoking marijuana in the vehicle. It was found that Poston had two active warrants. As Poston was taken into custody, she advised she was carrying a pistol in her waistband and she had paraphernalia. A loaded .380 pistol and a small baggie with a clear, crystalline substance were located, which Poston allegedly advised was methamphetamine.

Richard Cline Farthing appeared for his arraignment, pleading not guilty to two misdemeanor and two felony counts of violation of a protective order. Judge Mercer set a jury trial for April 14, 2025. Farthing’s attorney, Ashley Hurlbert, requested that Farthing’s firearms, including an antique rifle, be returned to Farthing’s possession as the underlying order of protection has since been dismissed. Sanders County Attorney Jania Hatfield opposed the request, informing Judge Mercer that the firearms in question have been entered into evidence and are being held by the sheriff’s office due to these charges. Judge Mercer denied the request.

As alleged in the charging documents, on October 13, Deputy McCarthy was advised of multiple violations of a protective order by Farthing. His wife, one of the protected parties, shared that Farthing had threatened to shoot her and to cut off her head, along with a text message from Farthing containing language that indicated Farthing was aware he was violating the order of protection. Deputy McCarthy took Farthing into custody in Trout Creek, with Farthing stating he knew he wasn’t supposed to contact his wife, but expected to receive a warning first.

On October 16, Deputy Tim Kelly was advised another violation of the protective order, this time against two additional protected parties. They advised that Farthing had entered their place of work, yelling at the male protected party to try and find out where another protected party was located. Deputy Kelly spoke with Farthing and arrested him in Thompson Falls.