Interstate drug traffickers take plea deals

SANDPOINT — A Montana man is sentenced to two to 10 years for drug trafficking on July 30.

Dustin Ollie Mathews, 40, accepted a plea deal for a charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. He will serve his sentence in Idaho before being extradited to face similar charges out of Montana. As part of the plea deal, charges were dropped for possession of paraphernalia, and persistent violation — even though he has no previous criminal history in the state of Idaho.

Mathews was arrested in the early morning of March 22, 2021, along with Crystal Willingham, 39, in the parking lot of the Sagle Conoco with 19 grams of heroin in his possession. He was arrested after Bonner County Sheriff’s Deputy Paul Maland learned he was wanted on warrants out of Montana. On those warrants, he is wanted on $25,000 bail on charges of possession of dangerous drugs and paraphernalia, charges that could result in up to a nine-year sentence if convicted. In court documents, Maland testified Mathews admitted he had been trafficking the drugs from Washington to Montana to sell.

Willingham also is faces charges from the March 22 incident. She signed a plea deal on August 2 admitting guilt to trafficking methamphetamine and heroin in exchange for a paraphernalia charge being dropped. She has no previous criminal history in the state of Idaho.

Deputies found a written sales ledger in Willingham’s possession complete with dollar denominations next to the words “clear” or “black.” Other items found in Willingham’s possession include, a Glock .45 handgun, $7,127 in cash, 4.34 grams of heroin, 12.99 grams of methamphetamine, a scale, and other paraphernalia.

Trafficking in both methamphetamine and heroin can result in a life sentence. A $100,000 fine can also be levied for trafficking heroin, and $25,000 for methamphetamine.

Willingham is currently out of jail after paying a $7,500 surety bond. Sentencing will be held Oct. 18 in First District Court.