Kalispell man charged with drug possession, theft

A Kalispell man arrested for shoplifting from Libby businesses now faces a drug charge in Lincoln County District Court.

Merwin Daniel Geidl, 39, pleaded not guilty to felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and misdemeanor theft during his Sept. 28 arraignment. The former charge stems from a crystal-like substance police officers found on Geidl during his arrest.

According to court documents, authorities began tracking Geidl down after he allegedly tried to shoplift from a local supermarket. The responding officer, Ronald Buckner of the Libby Police Department, learned en route that Geidl had been cited earlier in the day for shoplifting and recently caught trying to steal merchandise at the local farmers market.

While tracking down Geidl, Buckner learned from dispatchers that the Kalispell man was spotted knocking on doors in a nearby residential neighborhood, court documents said.

Buckner found and arrested Geidl, finding about $15 in allegedly stolen merchandise in his possession, according to the affidavit.

Buckner took Geidl to the Lincoln County Detention Center, where officials located a plastic container while inventorying his possessions, court documents said. Inside, they found small amount of a white, crystal-like substance that tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine.

Authorities initially held Geidl on a $10,000 bond.

Court officials scheduled an omnibus hearing for Nov. 30 for Geidl’s case, with a pretrial conference to follow on Jan. 11. Were it to go to trial, Geidl’s case would begin Feb. 16.

The felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs charge carries a maximum punishment of five years behind bars and a $5,000 fine. The misdemeanor theft charge is punishable by a fine of up to $500.