Man Caught With Meth in a Necklace at the Missoula Jail

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On March 7, 2025, a Missoula County Sheriff's Office deputy observed a white Chevrolet pickup pass him at approximately 45 miles per hour in a 65 mile per hour zone. As the deputy followed, he observed the truck frequently drift close to the center dash line. The deputy rang the license plate, which revealed recent history where 33-year-old Matthew Gunter was an occupant. The deputy also discovered that Gunter's driver's license was suspended.  

The deputy drove alongside the truck and observed that the person driving was consistent with Gunter. The deputy executed a traffic stop, approached the vehicle, and informed the driver of the reason for the stop. The driver was identified as Gunter, who admitted that his license was suspended and that he did not have insurance for the vehicle.  

The deputy asked dispatch to run Gunter's information, and it was relayed to the deputy that Gunter had an active warrant. The deputy placed Gunter under arrest for his warrant and for driving while suspended.

Then Gunter was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. During the booking process, a Detention Corporal discovered a silver necklace in Gunter’s possession with a cylindrical screw-on container attached. Inside the container was a white crystalline substance that in the Detention Corporal's training and experience was consistent with methamphetamine. The deputy also identified the substance as being consistent with methamphetamine.  

Then the deputy advised Gunter of his Miranda rights. Gunter said he understood them and consented to an interview. According to court documents, Gunter admitted that he forgot about the necklace and that he believed it contained approximately a quarter gram of methamphetamine. Gunter further admitted that he used methamphetamine intravenously approximately five hours prior to his interaction with law enforcement. After the conversation, Gunter was remanded into the custody of the Missoula County Detention Facility.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

The necklace and suspected methamphetamine were transported to the evidence warehouse. The substance tested presumptive positive as methamphetamine via an ACE-ID test. The combined weight of the methamphetamine and its container is 5.7 grams.  

Gunter is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, driving with a suspended license, and failure to carry proof of insurance.  

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.