Man pleads guilty to drug charge

A Columbia Falls man pleaded guilty in court recently to a criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

Jonathan Alois Kupka, 27, entered his plea May 17 before Judge Heidi Ulbright. He faces a maximum prison term of five years and a $50,000 fine, but his plea agreement calls for a three-year deferred sentence.

Kupka’s sentencing date was scheduled for June 28. Kupka was released on his own recognizance.

According to court documents, Kalispell Police Officer Jim Wardensky responded to a shoplifting call Oct. 25, 2017 at an area business. Wardensky identified Kupka as a suspect and later searched his backpack where he found two plastic baggies that contained methamphetamine.

As part of his terms of release, Kupka will live with his father, he is not allowed to drink alcohol and must wear a drug patch.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.