GRAND FORKS COUNTY – TRF News – A Grand Forks man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, with 12 years suspended, for methamphetamine trafficking and related charges.
Ernest Leroy Farmer, 39, pleaded guilty to Class A felony delivery of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine. He also entered Alford pleas to three other charges: Class A felony possession of at least 50 grams of meth with intent to deliver, Class C felony possession of a schedule IV depressant with intent to deliver, and Class C felony child neglect.
An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain their innocence while acknowledging that the evidence could likely result in a conviction at trial.
Farmer was arrested in February after selling two ounces of methamphetamine to an undercover officer, according to court documents. A subsequent search of his home uncovered 102.6 grams of meth, a digital scale with residue, 79 Alprazolam (Xanax) pills, and $10,181 in cash.
Police say two young children — a 2-year-old and a 2-month-old — were inside the home during the search. Drugs were found in the kitchen alongside food and baby items.
Farmer will serve eight years in custody, with credit for 182 days already served. After release, he will be on supervised probation for three years. If he violates probation conditions, he risks serving the remaining 12 years of his sentence.
All items seized during the investigation, including cash, drugs, and paraphernalia, were forfeited to authorities.
For more information on federal and state drug laws, visit the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Ernest Leroy Farmer