Libby man could spend life in prison
<p>Herbert Allen Dodd, Jr.</p>
A Libby man facing the possibility of life in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 pleaded not guilty in Montana’s 19th Judicial District Court Monday.
Herbert A. Dodd, 59, was arrested Sept. 15 and charged with two felony charges, one count of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs and one count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to distribute. Criminal distribution carries a maximum penalty of $50,000 in fines and life in prison. Criminal possession with intent to distribute is punishable by an additional $50,000 and up to 20 years in prison.
Dodd was arrested at his home on Wards Road in Libby after deputies of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on the premises.
In the officer’s narrative attached to the affidavit of probable cause, Deputy Nate Scofield wrote he had previously arranged for a confidential informant to purchase one gram of methamphetamine from Dodd for $100. Following that buy, Scofield applied for and was granted a search warrant for Dodd’s residence.
The warrant was executed Sept. 15. During the search, Scofield reported finding a black zippered bag containing 38.8 grams of a substance believed to be methamphetamine, along with a scale, a scoop and several new plastic bags of the type used to package drugs for distribution. Scofield also reported finding a fishing creel containing an additional scale and more of the unused plastic bags.
The substance was tested using an NIK Type U test, which provided a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.
According to his report, Scofield then read Dodd the Miranda warning, after which Dodd reportedly admitted to the crimes.
“I read the Miranda warning to Dodd and he admitted to the methamphetamine belonging to him,” Scofield wrote. “Dodd admitted to selling methamphetamine to support his habit and make a little extra cash. Dodd stated that he sells the methamphetamine for $100 per gram. Dodd told me that he purchases the methamphetamine in Spokane, Wash., for $800 per ounce.”
Scofield arrested Dodd at the scene. He was seen by Justice Jay Sheffield in Justice Court Sept. 16 and ordered held on $100,000 bond. Dodd was scheduled for an omnibus hearing Nov. 2 and was released on his own recognizance after his arraignment Monday.