Western Man Gets Probation for Drug Charges
A Western man facing felony drug charges received three years of probation after reaching a plea deal.
Rhett Paul, age 46, of Western appeared for sentencing in Jefferson County District Court on Thursday, August 1, 2024. David Bargen was the presiding judge.
Paul was charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, a class 2 felony punishable by up to 50 years in prison. He was also charged with child abuse or negligence, a class 1 misdemeanor, and possession of a controlled substance, a class 2 felony.
In accordance with a plea agreement, Paul pleaded no contest to two counts of attempt of a class 4 felony, which is a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine for each count.
On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, Deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office conducted a narcotics search warrant on a property located in Daykin at approximately 3:45 a.m.
According to the sheriff’s office, “Numerous controlled substances were found within the shop on the property to include: Methamphetamine, Marijuana, THC wax, and numerous paraphernalia items.”
Paul was located on the premises and arrested.
Paul’s attorney, Benjamin Murray, asked for probation for his client, noting that he has a “limited criminal history” and was the sole caretaker for two children.
Judge Bargen sentenced Paul to 36 months of probation for each count, with the sentences to run concurrently.
