Illinois Man Sentenced To 3 Years On Pot Charge
by Associated Press
February 14, 2013 7:34 AM
An Illinois man who was caught with four pounds of marijuana in his car while driving in South Dakota has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Patrick Maisenbacher, of Springfield, Ill., was arrested in August during a traffic stop on Interstate 90 near Alexandria. Authorities say Maisenbacher was pulled over because he failed to signal when changing lanes to pass another vehicle.
Maisenbacher pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 1 pound or more of marijuana.
Prosecutors recommended five years in prison. Defense attorney Rebecca Millan argued for a suspended sentence with jail time and probation.
Judge Tim Bjorkman said he could not be lenient with anyone who buys drugs with the intent to sell them.
