WORTHINGTON — An accused drug offender has been in Nobles County Jail since early Friday morning after police allegedly seized 291 grams from his vehicle during a traffic stop.
Rodrigo Rodriguez, 48, of Willmar, was stopped by Worthington police shortly before 4 a.m. for having an air freshener hanging from his rearview mirror. He told the officer that he and his son were traveling back from Texas, where they had been visiting family.
When the officer asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, Rodriguez reportedly said, "No, there isn't. You can go ahead and check."
While searching the vehicle, the officer discovered a neck pillow that contained two plastic bags filled with a crystal substance. Rodriguez allegedly said the pillow belonged to his cousin. The pillow had been re-stitched along the seam. The crystal substance tested positive for methamphetamine and had a total weight of 291 grams (about 10 1/4 ounces).
Rodriguez was arrested and charged with first-degree drug possession, a felony that carries a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison and/or a $1 million fine. If convicted, Rodriguez will be sentenced based on criminal history.
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He is being held in Nobles County Jail on bail set at $20,000 with conditions or $60,000 without.
