Saturday, March 28, 2026
45.0°F

Missoula woman admits to dealing fentanyl

JEFF SMITH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 weeks, 2 days AGO
by JEFF SMITH
Jeff Smith is news director for Anderson Broadcasting and a contributor to the Lake County Leader. | March 12, 2026 12:00 AM

A Missoula woman admitted that she attempted to deal fentanyl in Lake County.

Dorsette Hendrickx, 33, entered a plea of guilty in District Court in Polson March 4 to amended charges of criminal possession with intent to distribute and criminal possession of dangerous drugs. Hendrickx was initially charged with criminal distribution of dangerous drugs and criminal possession with intent to distribute.

The plea agreement calls for a commitment to the Montana Department of Corrections for five years with all but time served suspended on the distribution charge and three years, with all but time served suspended for possession. The court is not bound by the agreement.

According to court records, on Oct. 24, 2023, a confidential informant, working with law enforcement, made a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Hendrickx in Pablo.

Hendrickx was on probation at the time, and her probation officer gave law enforcement permission to arrest and search her. She was allegedly in possession of 22 fentanyl pills.

On Nov. 27, 2023, law enforcement observed Hendrickx driving a vehicle in Polson and officers were aware that her driver’s license was suspended. A stop was made on her vehicle.

When she was arrested and brought to jail, officers discovered a baggie in her possession that contained 32 fentanyl pills.

Judge Molly Owen set sentencing for April 27. Hendrickx remains in custody.


ARTICLES BY JEFF SMITH

Ronan man pleads not guilty to assaulting 2-year-old
March 26, 2026 midnight

Ronan man pleads not guilty to assaulting 2-year-old

Tyler Hildreth, 30, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson March 12 to misdemeanor partner or family member assault and felony charges of assault on a minor and endangering the welfare of children. The Ronan man is accused of hitting a child with a porcelain plate and causing a disturbance during family dinner time.

March 26, 2026 midnight

Arlee man accused of making false unemployment claims

An Arlee man is accused of receiving funding from unemployment benefits based on false statements. Thomas L. Howard, 59, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson March 18 to felony charges of theft and making false claims to public agency.

March 19, 2026 midnight

Polson High student accused of raping 14-year-old

A Polson High School student, accused of raping a 14-year-old girl, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson March 12 to sexual intercourse without consent.