C. Falls couple pleads not guilty in pot-growing case

A Columbia Falls couple pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to felony charges stemming from the discovery of a marijuana growing operation.

Timothy Wheat, 29, and his girlfriend, Shawn Plummer, 20, are each charged with felony counts of criminal production or manufacture of dangerous drugs and criminal possession with intent to distribute.

The Northwest Drug Task Force received a tip about a large marijuana growing operation in Columbia Falls being run by Wheat and Plummer, court documents said.

After further investigation, probable cause was gathered to get a search warrant.

On Aug. 7, the couple was stopped and detained when they left the suspect property and reportedly agreed to speak to investigators without an attorney present, both allegedly acknowledging they were growing marijuana and that neither had a medical marijuana card.

The property in question reportedly belongs to Wheat’s father, but Wheat also allegedly told investigators he had told his parents it was a legal marijuana grow operation despite his knowledge that it was not.

A total of 70 marijuana plants in various stages of growth as well as 224 grams of marijuana in the process of drying and equipment used in the growing of marijuana were discovered on the property.

A further search warrant executed on the couple’s home allegedly turned up marijuana pipes and bongs, 11 grams of marijuana and a digital scale.

If convicted of their charges, Wheat and Plummer each face up to 22 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

The next hearing for each is scheduled for April 10.