Missoula Man Caught Tampering During Probation Urinalysis

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 25, 2025, a Missoula Police Department officer was dispatched to Missoula Probation and Parole. The officer arrived and spoke with two probation officers (PO). The POs informed the officer that they were meeting with 38-year-old David Stephens. During the interaction, the POs observed Stephens' hands were shaking. At some point during their meeting, Stephens was informed that he would need to complete a urinalysis screening (UA).  

A PO observed Stephens while Stephens attempted to complete the UA. The PO reported that Stephens was unable to produce any urine during his first attempt and was sent to the probation office front lobby.  

Some time later, Stephens was brought in a second time to complete the UA. During the second attempt, the PO observed Stephens holding the UA container in a manner which was unusually low and the PO reported hearing what sounded to him like a small burst of liquid. This led the PO to believe something may have been squeezed into the UA container.  

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An Unknown Liquid was Collected 

Following this, the PO collected a small amount of unknown liquid in the UA container. The PO described the liquid as having a redish hue and further stated the liquid tested negative for any prohibited substances.  

The PO then conducted a pat search of Stephens and felt something unusual under his clothing. The PO reported the item was located near the upper portion of Stephens' right leg/groin area. The PO reviewed surveillance footage and observed Stephens had been digging in his right pocket in an unusual manner and had placed an unknown item near where his sweatshirt/jacket was laying on a table.  

Then the PO brought Stephens back in to conduct a strip search. During the search, the PO observed Stephens had taped his legs/boxers with duct tape and there was a large hole in his front right pocket. Stephens told the PO the reason he had taped his boxers was to prevent chaffing during pickleball and he denied trying to subvert the UA. The MPD officer asked Stephens about the hole in his pocket and asked if he could see it. The officer then observed a hand sized hole in Stephens's pocket, which Stephens stated was from wear and tear from work. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Mio and Duct Tape 

According to court documents, duct tape and a "Mio" water flavoring bottle were later found in the area Stephens had been pacing around, and near where Stephens' jacket/sweatshirt was laying on the table. The PO later obtained a urine sample from Stephens, which tested positive for Amphetamine/Methamphetamine. 

Stephens was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony fabricating/tampering with physical evidence. His bond was set at $75,000. 

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