Libby woman sentenced for selling meth, prescription drugs

A Libby woman accused of felony drug trafficking was sentenced last week in Lincoln County District Court.

Deeann Lisle Rowe, 55, initially faced three charges of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs, including methamphetamine and various prescription medication. 

Rowe, who was free on bail, pleaded guilty March 24 to one count of criminal distribution. District Judge Matt Cuffe sentenced Rowe to a 10-year suspended term on May 5, agreeing with the plea deal by county Attorney Marcia Boris and public defender Scott B. Johnson.

Rowe, who entered and left the courtroom with the aid of a walker, received credit for serving 12 days in the county jail. She must also pay a $1,000 fine which will go to the county’s drug forfeiture fund. Rowe may pay the fine during the life of her sentence.

Cuffe said the pre-sentence report indicated Rowe had made changes in her life and was a low risk to re-offend.

According to the charging document, county Det. Dan Holskey reported the alleged offenses were committed by Rowe between Nov. 15, 2024, and Nov. 21, 2024. He and fellow county Det. Brandon Holzer received information that Rowe, also known as Mama D, was selling dangerous drugs, including meth and prescription drugs, in the Libby area.

Holskey reported that Det. Holzer had bought illegal drugs in the past from Rowe in an undercover operation with the use of a confidential informant. However, the informant was found to be unreliable and charges were not brought against the woman.

On Nov. 1, 2024, Det. Holskey interviewed a confidential source he has worked with in the past. He wrote that the person has provided information that the officer corroborated and used in prior drug investigations. The source told the officer Rowe was allegedly selling meth, Hydrocodone, Percocet and Subuxone.

On Nov. 15, Det. Holskey met with Rowe at her motor home in the parking lot of a local convenience store to exchange 15 Adderall pills for cash. Adderall is an amphetamine stimulant and a Schedule 2 controlled substance.

Five days later, the detective met with Rowe at the same location where she allegedly sold him 15 Percocet pills and two Adderall pills as well as methamphetamine.

A day later, Nov. 21, 2024, the officer met with the defendant again and bought an 8-ball of meth.

Det. Holskey reported recording the meetings and securing the drugs before sending them to the Montana State Crime Lab for verification.

Rowe had faced a maximum prison term of 25 years in the Montana State Prison.