Mahnomen Man Sentenced After Meth Found in Phone Case

Mahnomen (trfnews.i234.me) — Anthony Eugene Wibbels, 30, of Mahnomen, has been sentenced in Becker County.

Wibbels was sentenced for felony fifth-degree drug possession. The case involved methamphetamine found behind his cell phone case.

Meth Found During Jail Release

Court records say the case began on July 30, 2025. A correctional officer was gathering Wibbels’ property before his release.

The officer noticed a raised area behind the cell phone case. She opened it and found a small plastic bag.

Testing identified the substance as methamphetamine. The bag weighed slightly less than one gram, according to court records.

A deputy later spoke with Wibbels about the discovery. Wibbels said he arrived at the jail with the phone.

He also agreed the substance behind the phone case was methamphetamine, court records state.

District Judge Gretchen Thilmony issued a stay on May 20. Successful completion of probation will result in dismissal.

Wibbels was ordered to serve 43 days in jail. He received credit for all 43 days already served.

The court also ordered Wibbels to pay a $250 fine. He must pay another $75 in court fees.

Wibbels was placed on supervised probation for five years. Several court-ordered conditions will remain during that period.

Wibbels must not use illegal drugs or alcohol. He must complete cognitive skills training as directed by probation officials.

He must also follow any required cognitive behavioral programming. The court ordered him to complete a comprehensive assessment.

Wibbels must follow all recommendations from that assessment. Those requirements may include treatment and aftercare.

Violating probation conditions could lead to further court action. The court could also review the stayed sentence.

Minnesota law lists fifth-degree controlled substance offenses under Section 152.025.

Information about Becker County District Court is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

The sentence allows Wibbels to remain in the community under supervision. His case will be dismissed after successful probation completion.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.