Woman pleads not guilty to felony drug charge

One of two people charged after allegedly being caught with a quarter pound of methamphetamine hidden in the bumper of a car has pleaded not guilty to a felony drug charge.

Skyann Sartain, 19, of Kalispell, and Steven Cate, 43, are each charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute. Sartain pleaded not guilty to her charge on Thursday, while Cate’s arraignment was continued to Aug. 15.

According to a court document, it was believed that Cate was transporting large amounts of meth to the Kalispell area, and he was known to spend time with Sartain. Then, on July 23, law officers stopped a vehicle being driven by Sartain with Cate as passenger.

A cursory screen of the vehicle by a drug dog allegedly alerted law enforcement to drugs in the vehicle, and a search warrant was granted. A package was allegedly found hidden in the rear bumper of the vehicle containing a quarter pound of meth.

Sartain allegedly agreed to speak without an attorney present and admitted she had gone with Cate to Sandpoint, Idaho, where they drove to a home and picked up the meth.

If convicted, Sartain and Cate each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000, as well as an additional minimum of one year and as many as three if the crime was committed in association with a criminal street gang.

Both are currently incarcerated in the Flathead County Detention Center, where Sartain’s bond is set at $100,000 and Cate’s bond is set at $200,000.

Sartain’s next hearing is set for Oct. 30.