Two jailed for alleged fentanyl distribution

A Ronan woman allegedly conspired with a man from Pasco, Wash., to bring large amounts of fentanyl to Lake County for distribution.

Gonzalo Valdivia Hernandez, 52, and Dorthea Carman, 34, appeared for arraignment in District Court in Polson Nov. 21 and pled not guilty to criminal possession with intent to distribute.

According to court records, on Oct. 29, a law enforcement officer saw Hernandez traveling in a vehicle on U.S. Highway 93. The observing officer recognized Hernandez as being wanted for driving with a revoked or suspended license and made a stop on his vehicle. Hernandez was arrested and brought to the Lake County Jail. Carman was a passenger.

A search of the vehicle yielded 405 fentanyl pills. After she was advised of her rights, Carman allegedly admitted to traveling to Pasco, Wash., to purchase fentanyl. She indicated that she would purchase 1,000 pills for a $1 each to resell in Ronan for $20 each.

When Hernandez was booked into the Lake County Jail, he was allegedly in possession of more than $4,000. When that information was communicated to Carman, she allegedly said “that’s my money.”

A request to reduce bond for Hernandez was denied after Lake County Attorney James Lapokta objected, arguing that Hernandez was likely in the United State illegally and posed a flight risk. An interpreter was brought in to translate for Hernandez, who only understands Spanish.

Judge John A. Mercer agreed with Lapokta and maintained bail at $500,000. Carman’s bail is set at $150,000. Judge Mercer scheduled each case for trial on March 10.

    Gonzalo Hernandez