PIPESTONE — A 20-year-old Pipestone man was sentenced Tuesday in relation to a June arrest for selling prescription drugs.
Derrick Buffington was arrested following a lengthy investigation by the Buffalo Ridge Drug Task Force and charged with fourth-degree drug sale.
He pleaded guilty to the charge and Tuesday received a stay of imposition of sentence, which would normally be for one year and one day in prison. Fifth Judicial District Judge Terry Vajgrt did not pronounce a sentence, but allowed Buffington to serve five years of supervised probation.
If Buffington successfully abides by his probation terms, his conviction will be knocked down to a misdemeanor, and he will not be required to serve prison time. However, if he violates probation, he will be brought back to court and then sentenced to the year and a day he would have otherwise received.
Buffington was ordered to serve 60 days of local jail time, with credit for 51 days served. He must pay a $300 fine.
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His mother and co-defendant, Elizabeth Buffington, was also supposed to receive her sentence Tuesday, but did not appear for her hearing.
