Local man pleads guilty to drug possession charge

An Anaconda man has admitted to a felony charge of criminal possession of dangerous drugs. 

Arthur Frank Heath III appeared in 3rd Judicial District Court before Judge Jeffrey Dahood on Wednesday, Oct. 15 where he admitted to felony drug possession. The court ordered a pre-sentence agreement (PSI) and that the defendant be remanded and detained in custody until sentencing.

In exchange for a guilty plea, the state recommends a three-year commitment to the Montana Department of Corrections (DOC), that the defendant be placed in a DOC Therapeutic Setting, and step-down programming, and is not recommending a fine.

Further, the State agrees that the defendant may inquire as to his ability to pay ordered fees, and that he shall receive credit for time served.

This plea agreement is conditioned upon the defendant obeying all laws during and prior to disposition, according to the plea agreement.

According to the affidavit filed by the State of Montana in support of the charge, on Dec.14, 2024, the defendant was arrested for disorderly conduct and taken to the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Detention Center.

During the booking process, Detention Officer Mazzone located a white crystalline substance consistent with methamphetamine inside the defendant’s pants’ coin pocket, the affidavit states. The defendant was read his rights and agreed to speak with law enforcement.

When Officer Aric Strutzel asked where the defendant got the meth from, the defendant said he didn’t remember. methamphetamine from, the affidavit states. Officer Strutzel collected the suspected drugs and tested the substance with a NIK field test kit, and the substance tested positive for methamphetamine and was placed into evidence, the affidavit states.

The maximum sentence for a conviction of drug possession is five years in a state prison and a $5,000 fine.