Man and wife plead not guilty to drug charges

A Eureka man and his wife on Monday pleaded not guilty to eight drug charges and will face 37 years in prison when they go to trial early next year.

Deavan Conard, of Libby, pleaded not guilty to one count of criminal possession with intent to distribute, two counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, one count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs-opiate and four criminal counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. Conard faces a possible 37 years in state prison if convicted.

District Judge James Wheelis allowed a motion from Conard’s defense attorney Charles Sprinkle to release Conard on his own recognizance. Deputy County Attorney Jeffrey Zwang did not oppose the motion, but underlined the condition of his release stating Conard is not allowed to speak with other witnesses or codefendants in the case after his release. Wheelis and Zwang agreed that Conard’s wife, a codefendant in the case, would be excluded from this condition given their relationship.

Julia Hart, Conard’s wife, also pleaded not guilty to eight drug charges in district court before Wheelis. She was charged with two counts of criminal possession with intent to distribute, one count of opiate possession, one count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and four criminal counts of drug paraphernalia possession. She faces 52 years of potential prison time if convicted.

Law enforcement from Eureka City Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on May 6 executed a warrant to search Conard’s and Hart’s trailer, finding several illegal drugs. Officers allegedly found 3.7 grams of methamphetamine, a scale and several pieces of paraphernalia. Officers also allegedly found less than two grams of marijuana, producing two other arrests, aside from Conard and Hart, for possession of dangerous drugs.

Wheelis set both omnibus hearings for Sept. 12.

Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at slarson@dailyinterlake.com.