Thief River Falls, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Mark Edward Browne, 59, of Warren, has been sentenced for a felony charge of fifth-degree controlled substance crime. The court granted a five-year stay of imposition, meaning he will avoid prison if he meets all the conditions set by the court.
Sentencing Details
- Probation: Browne is ordered to serve five years of supervised probation.
- Firearms Ban: He is prohibited from possessing firearms, ammunition, or explosives for life unless his civil rights are restored.
- DNA Sample: Browne must provide a DNA sample.
- Assessment and Treatment: He is required to complete a comprehensive assessment within 60 days of sentencing and follow through with the recommended level of treatment and aftercare.
- Fines: Browne must pay $210 in fees and fines.
Incident Background
The charge originated from an October 6 traffic stop on Fourth Street. Browne was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Renita Kaye Browne, who had a suspended registration. During the stop, law enforcement observed suspicious movements by the occupants.
Evidence Found
- Bag: Located in the backseat, the bag contained drug paraphernalia, a baggie with a white substance, and a sunglasses case with two pipes.
- Identification: The bag had an item with the backseat passenger’s name, but he claimed the bag belonged to Mark Browne. Browne admitted ownership of the bag.
Previous Convictions
The complaint noted that Mark Browne had a prior conviction for fourth-degree controlled substance crime in April 2003 in Pennington County.
Renita Browne’s Case
Renita Kaye Browne was arrested for second-degree refusal to submit to a chemical test. Her legal proceedings are ongoing.