Man pleads not guilty to drug charge

A 53-year-old Albany, Ore., man pleaded not guilty Dec. 6 in Flathead District Court to a felony charge of conspiracy in the criminal distribution of dangerous drugs.

According to a court document, Van Pelt was stopped by police while transporting 10 pounds of marijuana to Kalispell from Oregon at the request of Thongkhanh Phandanouvong.

During the stop, he allegedly volunteered the information that the drugs were in the vehicle.

If convicted, Van Pelt faces between two years and life in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.

His next hearing is scheduled for March 6, 2013.