Federal charges have been brought against a Lakeside man for his alleged involvement in a methamphetamine distribution ring.

A grand jury charged Nathan Glen Kirkland, 45, with one count of conspiracy to distribute the drug and two counts of possession with intent to distribute.

Kirkland pleaded not guilty to the charges on July 28 in U.S. District Court in Missoula.

The investigation started in 2013 and was carried out largely by the Northwest Drug Task Force, according to the criminal complaint. Confidential informants were used to set up transactions.

Authorities crossed paths with Kirkland while he was driving with another person of interest in the task force investigation.

Agents pulled the vehicle over after a purchase was set up at a Kalispell hotel.

According to the complaint, agents found more than 450 grams of meth in a bag belonging to Kirkland. He allegedly told investigators that he purchased one pound of the drug in Colorado and carried it to Montana on an airplane.

According to court documents, Kirkland was not charged at that time.

In June 2015, investigators received a tip about another meth purchase at the Black Angus Casino in Kalispell. With agents watching, two men pulled up in Kirkland’s pickup and parked.

After their arrest, the men claimed the drugs belonged to Kirkland. They added that Kirkland worked out of a Hathaway Lane house near Kalispell and his Grandview Terrace home in Lakeside.

Agents obtained search warrants for both houses as well as Kirkland’s truck. They allegedly found meth inside a safe, nearly $26,000 in cash and evidence that he had drugs mailed to him through a Rose Crossing company.

Kirkland was arrested on June 22 at his Lakeside home. According to court documents, he has a history of felony convictions, including forgery, drug possession and escape.

If convicted, Kirkland could face as much as life in prison and a $10 million fine.

He is currently listed on the Missoula County Detention roster. His next hearing in U.S. District Court is scheduled for Aug. 12.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.