Motorist sentenced for driving under the influence, possessing drugs

A man accused of driving recklessly with his two children in the vehicle on U.S. 2 last fall later pleaded guilty to multiple charges in Flathead County District Court.  

Prosecutors brought Enrique Renteria Martinez, 35, up on a felony count of criminal child endangerment after witnesses reported seeing him driving erratically before stopping at the Izaak Walton Inn where he fell asleep at a table on Oct. 1. They tacked on a felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs charge not long after.  

Although Martinez initially maintained his innocence, he struck a plea deal in December. In exchange for guilty pleas to the felony drug possession charge and an amended misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence, first offense, prosecutors agreed to recommend Martinez receive a pair of suspended sentences.  

The Dec. 18 agreement allowed Martinez's defense attorney to argue for a deferred sentence for the felony charge.  

Judge Amy Eddy, who presided over the case, handed down a mostly suspended six-month jail sentence for the misdemeanor and a deferred three-year sentence for the felony the following day. She gave Martinez credit for three days of time served.  

When Montana Highway Patrol troopers arrived at the Izaak Walton Inn in October last year, they described Martinez as lethargic and slurring his words. Asked for a driver's license, Martinez handed the troopers a Visa card. When troopers asked him where he left his vehicle, Martinez allegedly replied with "Good question." 

The troopers put Martinez through a field sobriety test after spotting white powder on his nose, according to court documents. 

Prior to taking the test, Martinez allegedly said he used Adderall and had a prescription for Xanax. When a nasal-style bottle fell from his pants during the test, troopers took a sample of the liquid inside for testing at the Montana State Crime Lab, court documents said. 

Troopers arrested Martinez following the sobriety test.  

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 406-758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.