Montz arraigned on bail jumping charge

SANDPOINT — A former Bonner County man was arraigned last Thursday for failing to appear at a sentencing hearing in 1995.  

James Earl Montz, 74, entered a not guilty plea Thursday, April 3, appearing in court via Zoom from Bonner County Jail.  

Montz is charged with one count felony bail jumping and is being held on a $250,000 bond.  

According to court documents, Montz was charged with felony manufacturing a controlled substance in 1994. Documents indicate that the now-former resident had been caught growing 82 marijuana plants in an underground bunker in his backyard. Montz posted bail on the matter and entered a guilty plea on the charge. When it came time for his sentencing hearing, Montz’s location was unknown. Based on his failure to appear in court, a bench warrant was issued for $100,000.  

Over 30 years later, on Jan. 28, 2025, Bonner County officials located Montz in Thomasville, Ga., under the name “Billy Bob.” He was arrested in Thomasville for jumping bail and taken to Thomas County Jail before being extradited to Bonner County Jail.  

It is unsure what charges Montz could face if found guilty.