Woman With a Pending Felony Drug Case Gets Caught With Meth

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On February 6, 2024, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was on patrol near Highway 200. The deputy conducted a traffic stop of a white Chrysler that failed to have license plate lights. The driver was identified as 38-year-old Arla Callinglast. The deputy also identified the passenger, Callinglast’s daughter, and backseat occupant, J.L. 

The deputy ran the names through dispatch and determined that Callinglast was on probation and J.L. had warrants out for his arrest. The deputy contacted the on-call probation officer, who requested a search of the vehicle. The deputy was aware that Callinglast is on probation for possessing drugs and currently faces a pending felony drug case in Montana’s Fourth Judicial District Court. 

During the search, the deputy found a baggie containing a residual amount of methamphetamine in the backseat along with a syringe. The deputy also found a pack of Marlboro Red cigarettes in the center console containing a baggie with approximately 1.7 grams of methamphetamine.  

According to court documents, Callinglast was read her Miranda rights and admitted that she had the cigarette pack, but claimed they belonged to J.L. Callinglast explained that J.L. was jumping around and that is how the cigarette box wound up in the center console.  

However, Callinglast later gave a different explanation of how the cigarette box wound up in the center console that differed from her original story. The deputy noted that, based on where J.L. was sitting, it was unlikely he would be able to reach the cigarette box or have placed it in the center console. 

Callinglast was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. She is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs.  

This case was filed directly into district court. Given Callinglast’s non-compliance with her probation and conditions of release, the State respectfully requested a $30,000 warrant be issued for Callinglast’s arrest. According to the jail roster, that request was granted. 

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