Two sentenced, one man charged in drug cases
Two Mexican men are headed to federal prison for dealing thousands of dollars worth of methamphetamine at multiple sites across Western Montana and nearby states and a Marion man who served as an informant is awaiting trial on drug charges.
Ismael Melin, 40, of Long Beach, California, was sentenced Tuesday to 87 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Jose Luis Montano-Espericueta, 38, also of Long Beach, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for an identical charge.
The men will be turned over to the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation to Mexico once they complete their prison time.
According to court documents, members of the Northwest Drug Task Force stopped an FJ Crusier driven by Christopher Cole of Marion on Jan. 13 as part of a long-term investigation of Cole’s suspected drug trafficking.
A search found two ounces of methamphetamine and $5,000.
Cole was interviewed by a Kalispell-based Department of Homeland Security agent. Cole told the officers he had traveled to Missoula to meet his meth source named Luis. Cole said he paid Luis $22,000 for past drug purchases but did not pick up any more meth.
Cole also said he had been receiving three pounds of meth from Malin every two months. Cole would meet Melin or his brother in person for the drugs and mail Melin the money.
On Jan. 14, officers monitored a phone call between Melin and Cole. Cole said he had about $30,000 and would meet Melin in Pocatello, Idaho, to exchange drugs and money.
Melin changed his phone number and delayed the exchange several times, but eventually agreed to meet Cole in Pocatello on Feb. 6.
Cole told Melin that his vehicle broke down in Dillon and Melin offered to drive to Cole to make the delivery. Melin had instructed Cole to strip the insulation from a blue cooler and stuff it with cash. Melin said he would do the same with the drugs.
Once the deal was made, officers arrested Melin and Montano-Espericueta. They admitted to officers that they had trafficked five pounds of meth.
The duo pleaded guilty May 27 as part of a plea agreement reached with the help of a translator.
Cole, the informant who worked with police, managed to dodge drug charges until earlier this month.
Melissa Hornbein of the U.S. Attorney’s Office said she could not comment on whether or not Cole with face federal charges.
Cole was set for arraignment Thursday for charges filed by Flathead County. His arraignment, originally set for Sept. 11, had been continued to Thursday when Cole did not show up for court. The case was continued until Oct. 1.
He was arrested Aug. 20 on felony theft charges after he was found in Columbia Falls in possession of a 2000 Grand Prix that was reported stolen a month earlier.
While in the Flathead County Detention Center, Cole racked up additional charges of possession of dangerous drugs and tampering with evidence.
According to court documents, a baggie of heroin was discovered when Cole was being removed from his jail cell on Aug. 20. During a search, Cole was required to sit on a toilet and another baggie of suspected drugs fell from his bottom as he complained of diarrhea.
A deputy saw the drugs fall but Cole allegedly flushed the evidence before the deputy could collect it.
Reporter Megan Strickland may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.