Man convicted of drugs, burglary now faces forgery charges

A Polson man, who was convicted of burglary and drug possession charges on Aug. 16, is now accused of forging a stolen check and possessing drugs again. Matthew Christian Duncan, 28, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Oct. 25, to felony charges of forgery and criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

According to court records, on Sept. 18, the alleged forgery victim contacted law enforcement to report a check from the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes’ assistance to needy families program was missing. After contacting the proper authorities, it was determined that the check had been cashed at Kwataqnuk Casino in Polson for $300.

The check appeared to be “washed” or altered. Video surveillance at the business showed the person who cashed the check, who was identified as Samantha Deshazer.

Deshazer, who was known by law enforcement, was committed in Polson District Court Oct. 19 to the Montana Department of Corrections for four years. The term included a recommendation for state-sponsored drug treatment.

Deshazer told law enforcement that she got the check from Duncan. She indicated that Duncan stole the check from a mailbox along with other mail and altered the check.

After obtaining a search warrant for Duncan’s residence, law enforcement located methamphetamine and a copy machine with a cashier’s check on its copy plate. It was issued by Wells Fargo and altered to the amount of $800.

Duncan was given a seven-year deferred sentence in Polson District Court Aug 16. after being convicted of burglary for his role in the Jan. 5 burglary at the Finley Point Grill. He was ordered to pay restitution of $33,626.88 in that matter.

Judge Molly Owen set this most recent case for trial April 1. If Duncan is found guilty of new criminal charges or violating conditions of his deferred sentence, he could lose the benefits of it. He remains at liberty.