Dealer sold to undercover agents in Whitefish bar, court docs say

A man who allegedly arranged the sale of cocaine to a pair of undercover agents of the state Division of Criminal Investigation in Whitefish in October 2023 is facing a drug distribution charge in Flathead County District Court.  

Daniel Jesse Rosas, 63, is expected to appear before Judge Dan Wilson on Jan. 23 for his arraignment on one felony count of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs. He remains in the county jail with bail set at $75,000.  

Prosecutors alleged in charging documents that Rosas set up drug deals with two members of the Northwest Drug Task Force in a Whitefish bar about 11:15 p.m., Oct. 31, 2023. One of the agents agreed to buy a gram of cocaine, which Rosas handed over, according to court documents. He then allegedly took payment for the drugs.  

With that transaction concluded, Rosas returned to the other undercover agent, collected about $120 and directed him to meet up in the bathroom of the bar, court documents said. Once inside, Rosas barred the door with his body while allegedly producing a baggie of white powder for the agent.  

They later discussed potential future deals, according to court documents. Rosas allegedly promised the agent that he could secure larger quantities of cocaine and possibly arrange for better prices.  

Authorities shipped the cocaine bought in the second deal to the Montana State Crime Lab for testing. It came back positive for cocaine, court documents said.  

A warrant for Rosas' arrest was issued in March 2024. He was booked into the county jail Dec. 18. 

If convicted, Rosas faces up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $50,000.  

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.