Woman Arrested for Theft and Drugs at the Lolo National Forest

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 6, 2025, a USFS officer (USFSO) was patrolling Elk Meadow Road, within the Missoula Ranger District of the Lolo National Forest. The USFSO was accompanied by another USFSO, and the pair observed a white Ford Fusion parked along the road. They also noticed a female digging for rocks in a nearby stream. The pair initiated contact with the female and, after determining no immediate criminal activity, began to drive away.  

It was at this time that the officers were informed via dispatch that the license plate associated with the Fusion had been reported stolen from Lewis and Clark County. The USFSOs returned to the vehicle and made contact with the individual, later identified as 41-year-old Amanda Montoya.  

The officers placed Montoya in custody and read her her Miranda rights. Montoya agreed to speak and stated that she had exchanged messages with the vehicle owner’s mother, which she believed demonstrated authorized use of the vehicle. However, Montoya was unable to produce documentation to validate the lawful possession. The officers, with assistance from the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that the vehicle was listed as stolen and that Montoya was listed as the suspect.  

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While waiting for a deputy to arrive to take custody of Montoya, the USFSOs asked Montoya if she had any contraband on her person or in her vehicle. Montoya stated she had “dabs” and stated they were not marijuana-based. Montoya then voluntarily retrieved a glass stem pipe with a hollowed-out light bulb and a purple runner Tupperware container, estimated to have a capacity of 40 ounces. According to court documents, Montoya admitted that the items were used for the consumption of methamphetamine.  

USFSOs observed that the glass stem contained white and black crystalline residue, and the bulb contained a small amount of black liquid. A USFSO field tested the crystalline substance and found it field tested positive for methamphetamine. Montoya then admitted to using methamphetamine an hour prior to the officers’ arrival. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Montoya was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. She is currently being charged with felony theft and felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs.  

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