WILLMAR -- Derek Ryan Tate, 31, of Willmar, was sentenced Monday to 28 months in prison and a $1,000 fine on a felony charge of fourth-degree drug possession.
Tate was given credit for 30 days already served in custody. His sentence was handed down in Kandiyohi County District Court by Judge Donald M. Spilseth.
Tate and Angel Marie Sabillon, also known as Angel Marie Ousley, 22, were both charged after the May 3 incident. A fifth-degree drug possession charge against Sabillon was dismissed.
The charges were filed after a Willmar police officer on routine patrol noticed a vehicle that pulled out onto County Road 5 from Regency Es-tates West had numerous items hanging from the rearview mirror. The officer initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as Sabillon and the passenger as Tate.
While discussing the items hanging from the mirror, the officer noted that Tate was very jittery and recognized signs of methamphetamine use in the condition of his eyes and face.
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The officer also smelled and saw marijuana in the vehicle.
Tate was searched and officers found a cigarette box with plastic bags of white, crystal powder that tested positive as meth and weighed 2.76 grams.
The Kandiyohi County canine unit was called to search the vehicle, alerting on a purse and the inside of the vehicle.
The purse contained pills, including 12 Ambien pills.
A Crown Royal whiskey cloth bag was located and plastic bags of meth and marijuana were located inside the bag.
The drugs included 28.51 grams of marijuana and 6.78 grams of meth.
Both of the suspects were arrested and Sabillon claimed responsibility for the pills and allegedly said she smoked meth that morning.
When Tate was questioned about the meth, he said "oh my goodness" in a very monotone, unexcited manner and was very nonchalant about the accusations, the complaint states.
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He also admitted to smoking meth.
