White Earth (trfnews.i234.me) — Neka Joy Sargent, 32, of Moorhead, Minnesota, was sentenced in Becker County District Court after pleading guilty to gross misdemeanor fifth-degree drug possession. She received a stay of adjudication, meaning successful completion of probation will lead to a dismissal of the charge. A misdemeanor charge of providing a false name to a peace officer was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Details of the Incident
On March 1, a White Earth police officer observed a vehicle on U.S. Highway 10 near White Earth dragging an object that caused sparks. The officer stopped the vehicle and noted that both female passengers were not wearing seatbelts. Sargent, seated in the front passenger seat, initially provided a false name.
During the stop, the driver admitted to recent methamphetamine use and presented a partially smoked marijuana joint. Both passengers acknowledged possible active warrants. A search revealed hypodermic needles and prescription medications on the backseat passenger, later identified as Sargent. Sargent’s pocket contained a plastic baggie with a crystal substance, which field-tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing 0.38 grams with packaging.
Legal Proceedings and Sentence
Sargent was placed on two years of probation with conditions including refraining from possessing or using firearms, ammunition, explosives, drugs, alcohol, or other mood-altering chemicals (except prescribed medication). She must complete a comprehensive assessment and adhere to all recommended treatments, including aftercare. Sargent was also fined $500 plus $75 in court fees.
Did You Know?
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Stay of Adjudication: In Minnesota, a stay of adjudication allows defendants to avoid a formal conviction on their record upon successful completion of probation.
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Probation Conditions: Standard probation conditions often include restrictions on substance use, mandatory counseling, and regular reporting to a probation officer.
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False Identification Consequences: Providing false information to law enforcement can lead to additional charges, as it obstructs justice and wastes investigative resources.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News