Man gets probation for growing pot in Flathead Forest

A Kalispell man received a probationary sentence on Thursday for growing marijuana with his cousin in the Flathead National Forest in September 2013.

Smoky Alan Geldrich, 27, was given a five-year deferred sentence with the Montana Department of Corrections.

“You will fully cooperate with the Forest Service to restore the property to its original condition,” Flathead District Judge Amy Eddy added as a condition of the sentence.

Geldrich and Skylar Wiegenstein, 25, of Great Falls, both pleaded guilty to one felony count of criminal manufacture of dangerous drugs earlier this year.

The pair were caught en route to a marijuana grow operation in the Flathead National Forest in September 2013. They had 40 marijuana plants in duffel bags when they were apprehended. An additional 20 to 30 marijuana plants were found near a structure the duo had constructed.

Wiegenstein confessed that the pair intended to process and sell the drugs. He is set to be sentenced April 28.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.