A Columbia Falls therapist who worked with children as young as six has been charged with 17 felony counts in Flathead County District Court after law enforcement recovered approximately 3,000 videos of child sexual abuse material from his residence.

Scott Thomas McFarlane, 41, a licensed clinical social worker, was booked at the Flathead County Detention Center on September 2, 2026, and is being held on a $1 million bond. He faces 15 felony counts of sexual abuse of children and two felony counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

Search Warrant and Evidence

Officers executed a search warrant that morning at a Shadow Wood Drive residence in Columbia Falls. The landlord confirmed McFarlane was the sole person on the lease. When taken into custody, he was carrying a cell phone, multiple knives, a pistol, and a handcuff key.

Inside the residence, investigators found significant weapons, ammunition, and several sets of handcuffs. They also discovered unmarked firearm suppressors, two bags of suspected illegal drugs, and an improvised explosive device in the garage. Computer files contained instructions for making explosives.

Drug testing confirmed the substances were ecstasy, a Schedule I controlled substance, and ketamine, a Schedule III controlled substance — forming the basis for the two drug charges.

The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation provided a sample of 15 files for detectives to review. That material depicted sexual abuse of prepubescent girls, including content involving an animal. The approximately 3,000 videos recovered include content involving victims under 12 years old. Forensic analysis of all seized devices is expected to take at least 90 days.

Deputy Flathead County Attorney Larissa Malloy filed an affidavit in connection with the case.

McFarlane’s Professional Background

McFarlane’s clinical practice included work with children as young as six, as well as clients dealing with sexual abuse, trauma, PTSD, suicidal ideation, and impulse control disorders. He was employed at Kids Behavioral Health of Montana, Inc. from September 2018 through March 2021.

Potential Penalties

If convicted on the sexual abuse charges, McFarlane faces up to 100 years in Montana State Prison, with no eligibility for parole during the first 25 years. Each drug charge carries a maximum sentence of five years.

His arraignment is scheduled for October 1, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Danni Coffman in Flathead County District Court.