A Washington man is facing drug trafficking charges after a traffic stop on Interstate 90 in Mineral County.

Aaron Ramirez Espinoza, 36, faces four charges, including three felony counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to distribute, money laundering, use or possession of property subject to criminal forfeiture. He also was charged with driving on a suspended license.

According to the charging document, Mineral County Sheriff deputy Shawn Visintin pulled over a gray 2005 Saab on Interstate 90 on May 20 because it had a non-working front headlight and rear taillight.

Espinoza gave the officer an expired Washington ID card and the title to the car, but didn’t have a registration or proof of insurance. The driver also gave answers to the deputy’s questions which raised doubt regarding his travel plans.

Then deputy David Kunzelman arrived to assist in the traffic stop and he reported Espinoza gave a different account of his reason for travel. A computer check indicated the accused man’s license was suspended. He was arrested and then allegedly threatened to defecate in the backseat of the deputy’s patrol car.

The car was taken to a tow shop in St. Regis and Espinoza was taken to the Mineral County Detention Center. Officers reported finding about 10 debit or credit cards in Espinoza’s name and several casino club cards.

From their training, the deputies knew drug traffickers may transport money on such cards.

On Friday, May 21, Sheriff Mike Toth spoke with Homeland Security agent Troy Casper and learned Espinoza was known as an alleged Washington gang affiliate and was allegedly known to transport methamphetamine from there to Lake County and surrounding areas in Northwest Montana.

After getting a search warrant for the Saab, deputies found a hidden handgun and a bag with pills which Casper reported were fentanyl. According to drugabuse.gov, fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.

Espinoza is currently being held in the Mineral County jail. He was arraigned on June 8 in county district court and pleaded not guilty.

District Court Judge Robert L. Deschamps reduced his initial bail from $250,000 to $10,000 and ordered Espinoza to remain in Montana if he posts bail. Deschamps also denied a motion by county Attorney Ellen Donohue to order Espinoza to wear a GPS monitor if released.

Espinoza's next court appearance is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 14.

Espinoza faces a total maximum sentence of 50 years in the Montana State Prison if he is convicted on the felony charges.