Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884
Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884
A Minnesota resident has received a suspended sentence related to a large amount of marijuana that was allegedly found in their vehicle when they were pulled over during a traffic stop.
On June 22, 2020, a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper observed a gray vehicle approaching his location on I-90 near milepost 174 at a measured speed of 78 mph in the 75 mph zone.
The trooper reports that he performed a traffic stop near milepost 176 and made contact with the three occupants of the vehicle. The driver was identified as Alphonso Gbalea Jr.
The trooper allegedly smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and observed an orange grinder commonly used to grind marijuana in plain view, as well as what appeared to be a marijuana dispensary container. The occupants allegedly admitted to having marijuana in the vehicle and the trooper was handed a small baggie of marijuana..
A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed four large packages of marijuana underneath the rear cargo area with an approximate combined weight of 5 lbs 3 oz. Another large package weighing approximately 14 oz was allegedly found in a backpack and multiple small packages of marijuana purchased from a dispensary around the interior of the vehicle.
Gbalea is reported to have said the large quantity of marijuana had been purchased in California. During interviews, he allegedly said he didn’t know how the marijuana got into the vehicle, but admitted the 14 oz package belonged to him.
Due to the large quantity of marijuana located, the trooper reports that he did not believe it to be consistent with personal use and was instead intended for sale and distribution in Minnesota.
Gbalea pled guilty to a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Judge Stuart S. Healy III gave him a sentence of between four and six years of incarceration, all but 30 days of which is to be suspended pending successful completion of three years of incarceration. Gbalea also received a $1000 fine.
