A Polson woman is facing federal charges for allegedly distributing methamphetamine.

Athena Scharnhorst, 45, was indicted by a grand jury in Missoula on Sept. 3 on five felony counts and one request for forfeiture. She pled not guilty on Sept. 8.

Scharnhorst faces a maximum punishment of a $15.5 million fine and life in prison if convicted of the charges, which includes two conspiracy to distribute meth counts, two possession with intent to distribute meth counts, and one count of possession of a firearm in furthering of a drug trafficking crime.

She was stopped on Jan. 25 by a Montana Highway Patrol trooper in Lake County. Her vehicle was seized and searched by the Mission Mountain Drug Task Force. Officers allegedly found drug paraphernalia, narcotics and plastic bags that were hidden in purses, tins, bags and an eyeglass case. A handgun, cash, and 52.5 grams of methamphetamine were found.

Scharnhorst was released because the Lake County Jail was full.

On May 5, more drugs were found after a sheriff’s deputy stopped Scharnhorst while going 56 miles per hour in a 35 mph zone. Scharnhorst stopped, but sped off when the officer got out of his patrol car. She allegedly ran a stop sign and forced three cars off the road before she abruptly stopped.

A search of Scharnhorst’s vehicle found several small bags of methamphetamine that appeared to have been prepped for distribution, drug paraphernalia, a loaded pistol, a scale and heroin.

Prosecutors noted in the indictment that they may attempt to enhance sentencing because of Scharnhorst’s prior felony drug convictions. Because of her criminal history, Scharnhorst has been taken into custody by the United States Attorney General’s office.

A trial date has not been set in the case.

Reporter Megan Strickland may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.