Jury convicts 60-year-old man on meth charges

A Spokane County jury took about 90 minutes on Thursday to convict Virgil R. Montgomery of preparing to cook methamphetamine at an age when other men are preparing retirement plans.

The jury convicted Montgomery, 60, as charged with possession of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine.

Testimony indicated Montgomery had large quantities of the over-the-counter cold medicine and other supplies needed to turn the drug into methamphetamine. Montgomery, who told jurors he is an ordained minister, claimed all of the supplies — including eight boxes of matches and a gallon of acetone — were purchased for ordinary household uses.

Deputy Prosecutor David Stevens said he will recommend a minimum-standard 41/4 years in prison when Superior Court Judge Michael Price sentences Montgomery.

Montgomery’s alleged accomplice, 63-year-old Joyce Darlene Biby, faces trial next month.