Man Charged With Intent to Sell Fentanyl in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On December 2, 2022, a Missoula Police Department officer was patrolling near a casino in the 2700 block of Reserve Street. While patrolling this area, the officer observed a vehicle parked on the south end of the parking lot, with one male occupant, who appeared to be slumped over and sleeping in the driver’s seat. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold picks up the story. 

“On the scene, the officers located the vehicle that was reported and the registered owner of the vehicle was Robert Finch,” Arnold said. “The officer observed Finch and recognized him from prior law enforcement contact. Finch was sleeping in the driver’s seat with the vehicle still running.” 

Through the window of the vehicle, the officer observed Finch gripping a broken glass object with a burnt tar-like residue inside of it. The officer also observed several butane lighters in Finch’s passenger seat and a butane lighter lying next to Finch’s hand.  

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The officer then knocked on Finch’s window and saw him jolt awake. Finch turned his vehicle off and removed the keys from the ignition. 

“Probation and parole became involved and requested a probation search of the vehicle and of Finch,” Arnold said. “Officers located a substance that tested presumptive positive for fentanyl and also located a substance that tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine. Finch was taken into custody. This case is still under investigation with the Missoula Police Department Detective Division.”  

According to court documents, Finch admitted that the burnt tar-like residue in the glass pipe was in fact heroin. Officers found a total of 2.7 grams of meth and 42 Fentanyl pills inside Finch’s vehicle. The officer also noted that typical dangerous drug users carry only 3-8 pills at once and that distributors carry higher amounts. While conducting a search of Finch’s person, officers also found $358 cash. 

While the search was being conducted, another officer asked Finch to submit to the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. 

Finch is currently being charged with felony criminal possession with intent to distribute, felony unlawful use/possession of property subject to criminal forfeiture, felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, driving under the influence first offense, and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.