WORTHINGTON — A Worthington man will pay a $1,000 fine and has been placed on probation for selling marijuana products out of his home.
Gabriel Miranda, 29, pleaded guilty Tuesday to felony fifth-degree drug sale, which was filed in October 2018 following an executed search warrant of his home . Marijuana and marijuana brownies were discovered in the home, as well as nearly $18,000 in cash.
Miranda served two days in jail on the offense. He was also sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, but that's stayed pending successful completion of his probationary period (not to exceed five years).
Miranda's defense attorney, Christopher Kennedy, who also represents Miranda in drug-related cases in Jackson and Cottonwood counties, said the two have had lengthy discussions about the state's laws regarding marijuana use.
"He disagrees with the law," Kennedy said about Miranda's view of Minnesota's law that prohibits recreational marijuana use. "But he does not get to decide what is appropriate or not appropriate. He has a good heart."
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Fifth Judicial District Judge Gordon Moore said a skim of Miranda's criminal history reveals a common denominator — marijuana use.
"That's not a news flash to anyone who knows you," Moore said, who noted that he's also gotten to know Miranda from previous court hearings. He said the offense wasn't a victimless crime, as it aids to controlled substance abuse to juveniles and others in the community.
Moore said if Miranda is unwilling to change his lifestyle, he might consider moving to a state that has legalized marijuana.
"I'm fairly certain that even in those states they're not allowing anyone to set up shop in their home," Moore added.
