Man denies drug dealing

A Kalispell man has denied trafficking drugs into Flathead Valley, though a judge has found that the charges are enough for him to remain in jail, and not be released without posting some sort of bail or bond.

Brian David Pehling, 54, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to criminal distribution of dangerous drugs, criminal possession with intent to distribute, and tampering with evidence, all felonies.

According to court documents, suspected heroin, meth and drug paraphernalia were found at Pehling’s home on Sept. 27, after they learned that he was allegedly set to receive a drug shipment from Seattle. Pehling then allegedly confessed to trafficking 14 grams of heroin from Seattle before he flushed it down the toilet once officers arrived.

Pehling’s attorney Sean Hinchey said that his client would have trouble posting even a $10,000 bond. The bail originally set in the case was $50,000.

Pehling promised the judge that if he was released, he would abide by the law.

“There will be no illegal anything in that house and if there is, you can throw me away for the rest of my life,” Pehling said.

Hinchey pointed out that Pehling had a minimal criminal history.

However, prosecutor Andrew Clegg was not convinced that Pehling was not a danger to the community. He pointed out that Pehling was charged, but not convicted, in 1995 in Washington for distribution of cocaine.

“I don’t know that this [drug dealing] is something you just jump into at age 54,” Clegg said.

Judge Heidi Ulbricht opted to lower the bond amount to $10,000. Pehling will also be monitored if he posts bail.

“You can anticipate that the court would be ordering a drug patch,” Ulbricht said.

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