Mission man faces four felony drug charges

A St. Ignatius man is accused of possessing drugs on two separate occasions. Nathan Dean Riekena, 42, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Nov. 30 to four counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

According to court records, on Feb. 6, 2022, a law enforcement officer was on routine patrol and traveling south on U. S. Highway 93, when a Chrysler van crossed over into the officer’s lane almost colliding with his patrol unit. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the van.

Riekena, who was identified as the driver was wanted on an outstanding warrant. During a pat down subsequent to his arrest, the officer allegedly discovered heroin in Riekena’s possession.

Then, on Oct 27, 2022, law enforcement responded to a report of someone in the area of Foothills Road who was asking to use an air compressor. The responding officer located a Honda passenger car with two occupants.

Riekena was the passenger and again, was wanted on an outstanding warrant and arrested. The second arrest resulted in the officer allegedly locating a hydrocodone pill, to which Riekena did not have a prescription. The officer also located a black bag in the Honda where Riekena was sitting. A search of the bag allegedly turned up substances that tested positive for methamphetamine and heroin.

Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set the case for trial April 8 and granted a request for a release on his own recognizance.