Idaho man gets suspended sentence on drug charges

An Idaho man originally charged in 2016 with possession of drugs with intent to distribute was sentenced in Montana 19th Judicial District Court to a five year suspended sentence under supervisory release, with credit for time served, on Monday, June 8.

Michael Yankey is currently receiving treatment in Idaho under drug court supervision, and Judge Matt Cuffe said that he was encouraged by Yankey’s participation in counseling.

According to an affidavit from Lincoln County Sheriff’s Detective Nate Scofield, a confidential informant tipped police on September 8, 2016 that Yankey — who was wanted in Montana on a felony warrant — was in Libby from Washington with Jessica Graham to deliver methamphetamine.

While checking possible known locations with other officers, Scofield saw a Dodge pickup with Idaho plates leave a motel and travel west on Highway 2. He attempted to run the plate, but was unable to get a clear read of it before the pickup turned off of Highway 2 and into the parking lot of another motel.

Scofield identified Yankey in the driver’s seat. Since he was known to Graham and the warrant for Yankey advised caution due to “violent tendencies,” Scofield indicated he exited his unmarked vehicle and called Yankey by name.

Scofield’s affidavit states that he showed Yankey his badge and “gave commands with my duty weapon out,” and that Yankey was cooperative and laid down on the ground when advised to.

Though the outside temperature was 47 degrees, Scofield remarked that Yankey was sweating heavily and appeared to be “extremely impaired” and fidgeting. He also noted that Graham appeared nervous and avoided eye contact while clenching her purse.

Detective Brad Dodson told Scofield that two methamphetamine pipes were in plain view in the front seat of the truck, and Scofield reported looking through the window and seeing clear glass pipe with burnt residue as well as a “methamphetamine bong.” He also reported a plastic box next to the center console with a “crystal like residue in it.”

The truck was impounded and both individuals were arrested.

In addition to items found in Graham’s purse, a vehicle search resulted in 63.3 grams of methamphetamine among three containers, 17.8 grams of marijuana, and a digital scale and stainless steel cup, both with methamphetamine residue.