Thursday, July 09, 2026
77.0°F

Missoula woman admits to felony drug charge

JEFF SMITH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months, 3 weeks AGO
by JEFF SMITH
Jeff Smith is news director for Anderson Broadcasting and a contributor to the Lake County Leader. | December 17, 2025 11:00 PM

A Missoula woman admitted to charges related to dealing drugs in Lake County. Reba Ann Hawkins, 37, entered a plea of guilty to felony criminal possession with intent to distribute in District Court in Polson Dec. 11.

The plea was entered as part of an agreement that contemplates a joint recommendation of eight years with the Montana Department of Corrections with all eight years suspended. The judge is not bound by the agreement.

According to court records, on Nov. 18, 2023, a confidential informant contacted law enforcement to report Hawkins. They indicated that she was coming to Pablo from Ronan for a drug deal and would be driving a newer white four-door Kia sedan.

When a vehicle that matched that description showed up to the location described by the informant, law enforcement was there. Hawkins was driving and known by the awaiting officer to be on probation.

The officer had permission to search her vehicle pursuant to Hawkins’s probation officer. The search turned up more than 65 grams of methamphetamine, 124 fentanyl pills with the “M-30” stamp, and 2.7 grams of psilocybin mushrooms.

Judge John A. Mercer set sentencing for Jan. 29. Hawkins remains at liberty.

ARTICLES BY JEFF SMITH

Charlo man could face 50 years for sexually assaulting minor
July 9, 2026 midnight

Charlo man could face 50 years for sexually assaulting minor

A Charlo man admitted to sexually assaulting a minor. Ronald Paul Hansen, 35, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court on July 1 to two felony charges related to the incident.

Bitsinni admits to felony criminal mischief
July 9, 2026 midnight

Bitsinni admits to felony criminal mischief

A Dayton man, already on probation from a 2018 conviction, admitted to charges related to a damaged fence. Orli Christensen Bitsinni, 26, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court on July 2 to criminal mischief.

July 2, 2026 midnight

Jorgenson sentenced to four years for sexually assaulting minors

A Ronan man who pled guilty to sexual assault was sentenced in Polson District Court on June 24 to 10 years in the Montana State Prison, with six years suspended, for assaulting four minors.