Missoula Probation Search Turns Up Drugs, Syringes, a Scale, and Six Cell Phones

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 5, 2026, Montana Probation & Parole conducted a home search at an apartment on Great Northern Loop belonging to 66-year-old Donald Biederman. According to a probation officer's report, Biederman and a female were present at the time. The PO asked Biederman to sit on the couch while another PO walked through the residence.  

The PO inquired about an item near where Biederman was sitting and removed two knives from the couch. The PO placed the knives on the kitchen counter. When placing the knives on the counter, the PO observed a small yellow in color baggie that had small crystal-like rocks in the bag. 

During his search, the other PO located a needle in the bedroom closet. The PO contacted dispatch and requested a Missoula Police Department officer for a drug investigation. The PO asked Biederman if there were any more needles in the apartment. Biederman stated there was another needle in the pocket of his black jacket in the bedroom closet.  

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Biederman's Admission of Drug Use

Then Biederman was patted down by the PO and stated there was a pipe in his pocket. The PO located the glass pipe, which was consistent with using methamphetamine.  The PO asked if Biederman was under the influence. Biederman stated that he was and that he had smoked approximately an hour prior to the visit. The search was halted until MPD officers arrived.  

An MPD officer responded, was briefed, and approved continuation of the search. The officer took Biederman to his patrol vehicle. Then Biederman was advised of his Miranda rights. According to court documents, Biederman then admitted that the narcotics belonged to him.  

Another empty needle was located on the top shelf of the closet, and a syringe loaded with a brownish-red liquid was located inside a stocking cap on Biederman’s dresser. A search of the black jacket in the bedroom closet revealed a scale with white residue, several empty baggies often used to package and sell illegal drugs, another empty syringe, and two baggies with a small amount of crystalline powder and residue. Six other cell phones were located in Biederman’s bedroom near his medications. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

The officer transported Biederman to the Missoula County Detention Facility. During the routine property inventory process at jail, a Corrections Officer located three more small yellow baggies inside a coin purse attached to Biederman’s keys. These baggies contained methamphetamine. 

Biederman is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs. His bond was set at $5,000. 

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