Former Griz hoops player faces drug charges
The Associated Press | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 years, 9 months AGO
BILLINGS — A Kalispell physical therapist and former University of Montana basketball player faces federal drug charges.
Kevin Criswell pleaded not guilty Tuesday to conspiracy and acquiring hydrocodone and oxycodone by forgery, fraud or subterfuge. The crimes are alleged to have happened in Scobey between January 2011 and August 2012.
Criswell’s co-defendant, 33-year-old Cale Handran of Scobey, pleaded not guilty on March 25 and was released pending trial. Officials have said the case involves 91 victims.
The indictment, which was unsealed Tuesday, provides no details on the charges.
In Billings, U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn Ostby appointed federal public defender Steve Babcock to represent Criswell and ordered Criswell to contribute $3,500 to his defense.
Criswell, a Colstrip native, is Montana’s No. 4 career scorer with 1,663 points between 2002 and 2006.
Babcock said Criswell works as a physical therapist for Orthopedic Rehab in Kalispell, according to the Billings Gazette.
Criswell told the judge his employer knows of his situation and supports him. “I’ve been upfront with them the whole time,” he said.
Criswell’s status with the state licensing board is uncertain, however, Babcock said. Criswell’s income could change if he is no longer able to work, he said.
Ostby released Criswell on conditions pending trial. If convicted, he faces a maximum of four years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
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