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Local couple charged with selling drugs

A couple has been charged in state District Court 2 1/2 years after a search led to the seizure of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Frankie L. Henderson, born in 1987, of Box Elder, was charged Jan. 29 with seven counts of criminal possession with intent to distribute, one count of criminal possession of drug paraphernalia and one count of theft.

Kenneth S. Gardipee, whose age and place of residency was not available, was also charged Jan. 29 with three counts of criminal possession with intent to distribute, one count of criminal possession of drug paraphernalia and one count of theft.

According to court documents, on Aug. 4, 2012, a Tri-Agency Task Force Agent located at the Highland Park Zip Trip a black, four-door 2000 Audi which he knew Henderson drove. Henderson had a felony warrant of $50,000 at the time for several positive drug tests during the term of her probation for criminal possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to distribute.

When the agent noticed the vehicle, Henderson began driving to a laundromat across the street, and Havre Police Department and Hill County Sheriff's Office were notified. A deputy responded and conducted a traffic stop.

Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy noticed a significant amount of movement inside the vehicle.

The deputy made contact with a male driver, Kenneth Gardipee, Henderson’s boyfriend. Gardipee was the only one in the vehicle that the deputy could see. When asked where Henderson was, Gardipee replied that he was the only occupant in the vehicle.

The court documents go on to say that the deputy asked Gardipee to open the trunk of the vehicle. Henderson was located between the backseat and a large speakerbox and was then arrested.

A driver’s license check on Gardipee indicated his license was suspended. Gardipee was arrested and taken to the Hill County Detention Center. Detention staff located a small amount of marijuana on Gardipee during the booking process.

The court documents go on to say that authorities had received numerous reports that Henderson and Gardipee were involved in the distribution of methamphetamine.

A search of Henderson and Gardipee’s vehicle was conducted by authorities Aug. 6, 2012. Numerous items of drug evidence was located inside the vehicle. The items found included cocaine, a Glock model .22 pistol, a snort tube, Zig Zag papers and methenamine.

A later search of the cellphones belonging to Henderson and Gardipee revealed photos and text messages which indicated that the two had been engaged in the distribution of dangerous drugs.

The court documents also noted that a Rocky Boy criminal investigator contacted authorities regarding a case he was investigating which involved stolen guns on the reservation. Authorities were able to determine that the Glock found in Henderson and Gardipee’s vehicle was stolen.

It is unclear from the documents why the couple was charged in January 2015 regarding 2012 arrests. Gina Dahl, Hill County Attorney, did not return calls seeking comment.

Henderson was in the Hill County Detention Center this morning on $50,000 bond. Gardipee is not in custody in Hill County at the moment.

Henderson’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 6.

 

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