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Torngren pleads guilty to possession with intent to distribute

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POLSON — A Spokane man admitted to bringing fentanyl into Lake County for distribution. Thomas Bradley Torngren, 45, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court Feb. 1 to criminal possession with intent to distribute. The guilty plea was entered as part of a plea agreement that will dismiss at sentencing on count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

According to court records, on Sept. 25, 2021, Torngren was a passenger in a silver Dodge Charger that was subject to a traffic stop for having an inoperable taillight. The vehicle was also the subject of a “suspicious activity” report outside of a Ronan tavern. Torngren initially gave law enforcement a false name before providing his real name. He explained that he did so because he is affiliated with a gang in Washington and it was something he was not proud to have on his record. A search of Torngren turned up a baggie of methamphetamine and 21 small blue pills. A search warrant was obtained for the Dodge Charger. During the search law enforcement located two pipes, a digital scale, and several cell phones. A search of the cell phones revealed several texts referencing fentanyl for sale. Torngren was also in possession of $540 cash. Torngren admitted that he travels to Washington to buy pills and returns to Montana to sell them.

The plea agreement calls for a joint recommendation of 10 years with the Montana Department of Corrections with all that time suspended on the condition that Torngren successfully completes inpatient treatment prior to sentencing.

Judge Molly Owen set a sentencing date of March 23. Torngren remains in the Lake County jail with bail set at $100,000.

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