WORTHINGTON - Pavit Xayphantho, 33, and Anthony Richardson, 25, were arrested last month following a traffic stop for fifth-degree drug possession, a felony. Xayphantho is also charged with possession of tear gas or a stun gun by a prohibited person, a felony; and possession of brass knuckles and possession of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors.
According to court documents, a vehicle driven by Richardson was pulled over for not having a working license plate light.
When the driver was identified, the name matched an anonymous tip regarding a drug deal near the library. The passenger in the vehicle identified himself as Xayphantho.
When questioned, Richardson told officers the pair had been at Xayphantho’s home near the library and were now on their way to pick up a friend, though he could not remember the friend’s name. Richardson appeared to be very restless and talkative, which the officer deduced might be the result of the influence of methamphetamine or another narcotic.
When he stepped out of the vehicle, Richardson was asked if he had anything illegal on him. He denied having anything illegal. However, while searching Richardson, the officer located a small baggie in his pants pocket that contained a white residue that field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Richardson stated that the pants he was wearing were not his.
Xayphantho was asked to step out of the vehicle, which he did. He, too, was asked if he had anything illegal on his person. He did not respond. The officer asked Xayphantho two more times and again, Xayphantho said nothing. A search of his person located a pen tube in his pocket that contained a white residue.
A search of the vehicle led officers to find Richardson’s wallet, which contained a red plastic baggie containing a white crystal substance. The substance, including packaging, weighed .5 grams. On the passenger-side floorboard, the officer located a brass knuckle taser. Next to the taser was a glass pipe containing white residue and burn marks. In the narrow end of the pipe, a plastic baggie containing a white crystal substance had been rolled up and stuffed inside of it. The pen tube, glass pipe and baggie all field-tested positive for methamphetamine. The baggie and its contents weighed .9 grams, including packaging.
Both men were transported to the Nobles County Jail following their arrest. A criminal history check confirmed Xayphantho had a previous felony possession of a controlled substance conviction in South Dakota in 2002.
Xayphantho is out on bond, while Richardson remains in the Nobles County Jail on a $1,000 bond with conditions and $10,000 bond without conditions. Richardson has a contested omnibus hearing scheduled near the end of July. Xayphantho’s next hearing is scheduled for early August.
