Suspended sentence for meth dealer

A 30-year-old Columbia Falls woman was given a five-year suspended sentence for felony distribution of dangerous drugs after she was recorded last year selling methamphetamine three times to a confidential informant.

Erin Littleeagle pleaded guilty on July 5 to one of three original felony distribution charges. The remaining two were dismissed in a plea agreement with the Flathead County Attorney’s Office. She had faced two years to life in prison and a $50,000 fine for each of the three distribution charges.

According to court records, the Northwest Drug Task Force learned Littleeagle was selling meth in July 2011. A confidential informant who was fitted with an electronic transmitter allegedly bought an eighth of an ounce of meth from Littleeagle for $400, another eighth-ounce for $400 and one gram for $120.

Drug charges were filed against Littleeagle in Flathead County District Court on March 22 this year. On April 10, however, Littleeagle was arrested in connection with a burglary at a residence on Buffalo Hill Drive, in Kalispell.

Littleeagle was never charged in the incident, but two Kalispell people were implicated. Derrick Jackson, 26, who was found with Littleeagle hiding behind some trees in the neighborhood at the time of the burglary, was charged with felony burglary in that case. Mandi Anderson, 26, the niece of the man who owned the home on Buffalo Hill Drive, was charged with felony burglary in a different case.

On Aug. 23, Flathead County District Court Judge David Ortley sentenced Littleeagle in the meth case to five years with the Montana Department of Corrections. Littleeagle received credit for time served at the Flathead County jail, with the balance suspended so long as she successfully completes a counseling program at the Missoula County Detention Center. She was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, with half suspended, and $800 in public defender fees, with half suspended.