Northwood man will change plea in multi-drug and firearm case
May 2—GRAND FORKS — A Northwood man's final dispositional conference scheduled for Thursday, May 2, was canceled because he plans to plead guilty in hopes of being granted a plea agreement.
Darin James Braun, 40, is charged with five Class A felonies for allegedly possessing multiple drugs with intentions to manufacture or deliver them, while also possessing a firearm. The drugs were methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, a schedule I hallucinogenic substance and schedule II stimulant. Each of the five counts has a maximum 20-year sentence.
Braun is also charged with Class B felony marijuana possession with intent and four Class A misdemeanors: fentanyl possession, drug paraphernalia possession, fradulent practices in urine testing and carrying a concealed weapon.
A traffic stop was initiated on Oct. 13 when law enforcement observed a vehicle speeding west of Thompson, according to a probable cause statement filed in the case. The drive, Braun, allegedly smelled like alcohol but denied consuming any.
A box of Carbliss alcohol was allegedly visibile within the vehicle. Three cans were missing; one was in the side pocket of a backpack, the statement said. Braun handed it to the officer, who noted the can was cold to the touch and approximately half full.
Braun was asked to exit the vehicle. He complied and told police he consumed alcohol earlier that evening, the statement said.
Inside his car, police allegedly found approximately five grams of powder MDMA, one ounce of methamphetamine, one ounce of marijuana, 10 grams of amphetamine in pill and crushed form, one gram of concentrated THC, five grams of fentanyl, 10 grams of cocaine and one ounce of psilocybin mushrooms.
There was also a concealed handgun with one round in the chamber, drug paraphernalia including a scale and pipe with residue, fake urine kit and $2,966 in cash, the statement said.
Braun "claimed the items were left at a party that he thought was being raided by the police," so he picked them up and left, the statement said.
He is charged in three additional traffic-related cases that would be dismissed under a proposed plea agreement filed Wednesday, May 1.
The agreement calls for Braun to plead guilty to the methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine and schedule I hallucinogenic substance crimes, which the state agreed to amend from Class A to Class B felonies. The charges would then have maximum 10-year sentences.
The recommended sentence is 10 years with the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation with all but 360 days suspended, which Braun could be permitted to serve on electronic home monitoring. He would be on supervised probation for three years immediately following sentencing.
Braun would also plead guilty to fraudulent practices in urine testing and carrying a concealed weapon. The schedule II stimulant, marijuana and drug paraphernalia possession charges would be dismissed under the plea agreement.
A plea change hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on May 13.
