Drug suspect waives hearing

SANDPOINT — A plea agreement is proposed for a suspect ensnared in a Clark Fork drug investigation.

Kevin Hardy White is charged with two counts of delivery of a marijuana to an undercover Bonner County Sheriff’s detective. White allegedly conducted the drug deals on two occasions in December of last year.

The state has also put the defense on notice it intends to seek a persistent violator enhancement due to White’s three prior felony convictions in several Texas counties. The enhancement can add five years to life to sentences imposed in the drug case.

White, 31, of Heron, Mont., was convicted of burglary in Tarrant County in 2001, charging papers said. He also has convictions for barbiturate possession in Hays County and theft in Brazos County in 2002 and 2005, respectively.

However, the state has agreed not to pursue the enhancement or any additional criminal charges if White pleads guilty to the felony delivery counts. The offer is valid until a pretrial conference in 1st District Court.

White waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, clearing the way for his arraignment in district court next month. He is free on $100,000 bail while the case is pending.

White was among a half-dozen suspects arrested in connection with an alleged marijuana distribution ring based in Clark Fork. Three people are awaiting sentencing and fourth is scheduled to be tried in June.