Allegedly passing a bad check earns man a felony charge

A 45-year-old man is facing a felony charge in Flathead County District Court for allegedly passing a bad check at a Kalispell log home construction firm in November 2025.  

Aaron Mathew Dodds of Columbia Falls pleaded not guilty to one count of issuing a bad check before Judge Amy Eddy in Flathead County District Court on May 28, but scheduled a change of plea hearing that same day. He is expected back in court on June 30.  

Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies began searching for Dodds in late 2025 after the president of the U.S. 93 South business alerted authorities to the bad check for $3,570, which resulted in a chargeback. They contacted Dodds, who allegedly said he would pay up, but never followed through.  

Dodds is simultaneously the defendant in a felony driving under the influence, fourth or subsequent offense, case winding its way through the courthouse. He maintained his innocence at his April 2025 arraignment before Judge Danni Coffman, but pleaded guilty in July of that year.  

Coffman issued a bench warrant for Dodds on Dec. 5 when he failed to show up for a scheduled court appearance. The warrant was served in May, according to court records.  

Dodds, who remains in the county jail with bail set at $60,000, is expected back in court June 11 for his sentencing in the drunk driving case. 

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.