Man sentenced for operating meth lab

One of the five Columbia Falls area residents busted in May in connection to two clandestine meth labs was sentenced Dec. 12.

Following a plea agreement, Flathead County District Court Judge Robert Allison sentenced Jonathan Kemppainen, 35, to 12 years with the Montana Department of Corrections, with seven suspended and a recommendation that he be screened for placement with the Connection Corrections or Nexis programs.

Kemppainen’s public defender, Vicki Frazier, raised the point in court that Judge Allison had earlier represented Kemppainen’s children as an attorney in a dependent neglect case. After some courtroom discussion, the defendant agreed to proceed with the sentencing.

Kemppainen’s wife, Rachel Kemppainen, 38, has also been charged with operating a clandestine meth lab and is negotiating a plea agreement. They initially faced up to 40 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

An outstanding bench warrant for Jonathan Kemppainen was quashed during his sentencing hearing. He allegedly had violated his conditions of release when he tested positive for meth and cocaine.

Christin Stordalen, 29, and his girlfriend, Mysterie Callihan, 34, have been charged with operating a clandestine lab at a different location than the Kemppainen’s and criminal possession with intent to distribute.

They each face up to 50 years and a $50,000 fine for the first count because children under 18 were present where the meth lab allegedly was operating. Their attorneys have filed motions to suppress evidence from the initial search.

Flathead County District Court Judge David Ortley ordered an evidentiary hearing for Stordalen and Callihan to be held Jan. 21.

A woman who was in Stordalen and Callihan’s driveway at the time of the raid, Heather Piland, formerly Heather Faller, 39, of Columbia Falls, accepted a plea deal on Nov. 21. The state will recommend a two-year deferred sentence for a felony drug possession charge. Her sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 16.