MANKATO — A Pemberton man received a stayed prison sentence and jail time after being convicted on a felony drug possession charge in Blue Earth County District Court.
Matthew John Brandt, 39, was convicted Aug. 4 on one count of third-degree drug possession. One count each of first-degree drug sale and first-degree drug possession, along with two counts of fifth-degree drug possession were dismissed, according to the sentencing order.
Brandt was sentenced to just under three years at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud, with the prison sentence stayed for three years. He was also ordered to serve 52 days in the Blue Earth County Jail, with credit for 52 days already served, and was placed on probation for three years.
The charges stemmed from a March 2024 traffic stop, where authorities reportedly observed aluminum foil in the vehicle and reported that aluminum foil with burnt residue fell onto Brandt’s lap when he opened his wallet.
A K9 later alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle. After it was towed and searched, investigators reported finding suspected fentanyl, heroin, M30 pills, methamphetamine, ecstasy and various prescription or counterfeit prescription pills in the center console.