An Albany, Oregon, man has been convicted of a felony drug charge after getting caught transporting 10 pounds of marijuana to Kalispell from his home state.

Dana Van Pelt, 55, pleaded no contest May 13 in Flathead District Court to felony conspiracy in the criminal distribution of dangerous drugs as part of a plea agreement that includes a recommendation for a deferred sentence of six years.

Van Pelt was stopped by law enforcement in Kalispell and told officers there were 10 pounds of marijuana in the vehicle. He was transporting the drugs at the behest of Thong Kahnh Phandanouvong, who was providing the drugs to another person for $30,000.

Van Pelt and an informant then worked with the task force to lure Phandanouvong to Kalispell, at which point he was also arrested.

A sentencing hearing for Van Pelt is set for July 17.

Phandanouvong, a 50-year-old man from Harrisburg, Ore., eventually pleaded guilty by way of Alford to the same charge as Van Pelt. He is facing between two years and life in prison and a fine of up to $50,000 when he is sentenced June 5.