Rural route carriers suspected of meth trafficking

POLSON — Two U.S. Postal Service contractors face charges of intent to distribute dangerous drugs after police say they found a suspicious package at the home of Anthony Friscia, 62, and Mary Friscia, 47, in Polson last week. 

According to a Jan. 12 press release from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the Friscias — who had been rural route drivers — were using the U.S. Postal Service to traffic methamphetamine from out of state. 

The package had not been delivered to the address marked on the parcel, the press release states. 

Using a search warrant, officers found almost a half-pound of meth along with $1,000 in cash and 10 firearms at the Friscias’ home. 

The Friscias were booked and released because there wasn’t room for them in the jail, Sheriff Don Bell said. 

The U.S. Marshals Service and a postal inspector assisted in the investigation. 

Chief Deputy County Attorney James Lapotka said the couple were arrested on Thursday, Jan. 11, and issued a citation. They were given an initial appearance date with Justice of the Peace Randal Owens. Lapotka did not know the date but said it is usually within a week or two. Following their initial appearance, the county attorney's office has 30 days to officially charge them or dismiss the case, Lapotka said, adding he expects them to be in district court within a month or so. 

The maximum sentence for a conviction of criminal possession with intent to distribute is 20 years and a fine of $50,000.