Pair get probation on drug charge

A Columbia Falls couple have been sentenced in Flathead District Court to five years of probation each after pleading guilty to felony drug charges.

Brian O’Myer, 53, and Lana O’Myer, 52, initially were charged in Flathead District Court with felony counts of criminal production or manufacture of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute.

Each eventually pleaded guilty to the distribution charge, while the production charge in each case was dismissed.

The charges came after a search warrant was executed at their home on Aug. 21, 2012, resulting in the discovery of a “well-established marijuana grow consisting of more than 30 plants and the equipment and paraphernalia necessary to cultivate, harvest, and store marijuana,” according to a court document.

More than two pounds of harvested marijuana also was seized.

In addition to the couple’s probation, District Judge Heidi Ulbricht also ordered Brian to pay a $400 public defender fee.