Former hoops player pleads in Havre drug case

HAVRE — A former Montana State University-Northern basketball player and admissions specialist has pleaded no contest to several charges in a drug case that came to light after a package of marijuana was mailed to his residence from California.

Joe Simpson II entered his pleas Monday via video to felony charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute and a forfeiture charge along with two misdemeanor counts of possession of dangerous drugs and a drug paraphernalia charge.

District Judge Dan Boucher asked attorney Lindsey Lorang why her client was pleading no contest instead of guilty. She said he was concerned a guilty plea might lead to federal charges.

The plea agreement calls for a deferred sentence. Simpson also must forfeit a gun and $11,500 in cash. Sentencing is set for Sept. 8.