COEUR d'ALENE - A 49-year-old Spokane man pleaded guilty on Tuesday in U.S. District Court to distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson's office has announced.

According to a plea agreement, James Stewart and his co-conspirators drove a vehicle from Eastern Washington and Idaho to southern California to pick up meth.

An investigation revealed that Stewart's source for the meth would stash the drugs in Stewart's vehicle, and then he would return to Idaho.

Stewart sold and distributed the drugs to other individuals in Idaho and Washington.

On at least one occasion, Stewart transported more than 500 grams of meth.

As part of his plea, Stewart agreed to forfeit at least $180,000, or an equivalent amount in property that was used to facilitate or was derived from his participation in the illegal drug trade.

The charge carries a maximum punishment of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $20 million, and up to 10 years supervised release.

Sentencing is set for Oct. 3 before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.

Stewart's co-defendant, Shad Johnson, 38, of Rathdrum, pleaded guilty in September to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Sentencing is set for Aug. 8 at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.

Fifteen defendants have pleaded guilty to drug offenses in related cases. Thirteen have been sentenced to date.