Trial ordered in Oldtown meth case

SANDPOINT — An Oldtown man was ordered Wednesday to stand trial for methamphetamine distribution charges following a closed-door hearing in magistrate court.

The preliminary hearing was held in private by stipulation of the defense and the prosecution. No reason was given for the secrecy.

Bonner County Deputy Prosecutor Shane Greenbank did not return a message seeking comment.

Digital and paper records of the proceedings remain sealed, although documents show Tim Samuel Moser was ordered to stand trial in 1st District Court for delivery of meth and trafficking.

Moser’s arraignment is scheduled for July 6.

The same set of charges against Moser were dismissed last month following an open-door preliminary hearing which lasted two days. Judge Barbara Buchanan ruled there was insufficient evidence to justify trying Moser in district court, but the door was left open for Greenbank to re-file the case anew.

Moser, 43, allegedly evaded capture when sheriff’s drug agents set up an undercover sting operation at Oldtown’s Rotary Park on March 29.

An alleged confederate, Jeffrey Lee Bentley, was arrested during the sting and has been charged with delivery of meth and trafficking.

Bentley, a 41-year-old Post Falls resident, was ordered to stand trial the same day charges against Moser were dismissed.

Both are charged with playing roles in drug deals on March 19 and March 29.

Bentley has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled to be tried in August.