Lakeside man charged with alleged cocaine distribution

A Lakeside man is facing a felony drug charge after allegedly being caught in possession of cocaine last year.

Scott Alan Mahlen, 44, was charged Jan. 6 with felony criminal possession with intent to distribute dangerous drugs.

According to court documents, Mahlen was arrested outside the Scoreboard Bar in Kalispell on Aug. 12, 2016. Deputies allegedly found a plastic baggie full of a white substance believed to be cocaine in his front left pants pocket.

“The suspected cocaine was in a large amount, based up (the deputy’s) training and experience, well beyond that of personal use amount; indicative of an intent to distribute,” prosecutor Andrew Clegg wrote in charging documents.

The suspected baggie of drugs weighed 27 grams, according to the affidavit.

Mahlen was also allegedly found with $972 in cash on his person, Clegg noted.

An arraignment date has not yet been set. A $25,000 warrant for Mahlen’s arrest was issued on Jan. 9.