WORTHINGTON — Charges of first- and second-degree drug sale have been filed against a Worthington resident in connection with an undercover operation conducted by the Worthington Police Department and the Nobles County Sheriff’s office.
According to court documents, officers were investigating the sale of controlled substances by Pavit Xayphantho, 40, during the Spring of 2021. During one instance, Xayphantho reportedly sold approximately 7.45 grams of methamphetamine and 12.5 grams of psilocybin mushrooms to a confidential informant at a local business in Worthington. The sale was monitored by law enforcement and captured by the informant on an audio recording device.
Later that spring, Xayphantho allegedly sold controlled substances to a CI in the City of Worthington again, this time selling 14.85 grams of methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers monitored Xayphantho leaving his home and going to the sale location, which was again reportedly captured on audio. Law enforcement officers took photographs of Xayphantho as he came and left the pre-arranged sale location and met with the CI.
The total amount of controlled substances sold by Xayphantho during the 90-day period was 22.3 grams of methamphetamine and 12.5 grams of psilocybin mushrooms.
On April 27, Xayphantho was pulled over after being observed driving by a Worthington Police officer, who was aware that probable cause existed to conduct an arrest. Xayphantho was arrested and transported to the Nobles County jail.
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If convicted, Xayphantho faces a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment and/or a $1 million fine for the charge of first-degree drug sale. The second-degree drug sale charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years imprisonment and/or a $5 million fine. Xayphantho is scheduled to make his initial court appearance May 10.
