GRAND FORKS COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) – A Grand Forks man will serve 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to two felony drug charges in North Dakota District Court.
Timothy George Clark, 54, pleaded guilty on Monday, November 3, to Class A felony possession of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and Class C felony unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
The paraphernalia charge was elevated to a felony because it was Clark’s second or subsequent offense. In North Dakota, a first-time paraphernalia possession charge is typically a Class A misdemeanor.
Court records show Clark was arrested in May following a traffic stop that led officers to search both him and his motorcycle. According to the probable cause statement, officers discovered a glass pipe with meth residue and approximately 108.5 grams (3.8 ounces) of methamphetamine hidden inside a saddle bag.
Clark later admitted to using and selling methamphetamine in the Grand Forks area, according to the court summary.
Judge’s sentencing records indicate Clark received the maximum 20-year sentence, but will serve 13 years with the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. If he remains law-abiding, the remaining seven years of the sentence may be suspended.
He also received credit for 182 days already served in custody, from his May 6 arrest through sentencing. Additional conditions include forfeiture of seized items, including a cell phone, and completion of a chemical dependency evaluation.
The Class A felony carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine under North Dakota law.
For more information on North Dakota sentencing guidelines and drug-related offenses, visit the North Dakota Courts or the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News
Grand Forks Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Meth – GF Co.