Bate faces felony drug possession charge

Richard Allen Bate, 30, Spring Hill, is facing a felony fifth degree controlled substances possession charge.
Monday, a deputy from the Morrison County Sheriff’s office stopped a vehicle not using its turn signal on Highway 27 in Little Falls. The Deputy followed the vehicle which allegedly appeared to be trying to evade the deputy.
When the vehicle was eventually stopped, the deputy identified the driver as Bate.
According to the criminal complaint, Bate’s eyes were wide and he was acting nervous. The deputy noticed a green leafy substance on Bate’s shirt which, according to the complaint, appeared to be marijuana.
The deputy then patted down Bate, and found a pipe on him. Bate allegedly admitted he had drugs on him.
When law enforcement searched the vehicle Bate was driving, they found digital scales and a bag with about 1.2 grams of methamphetamine crystals, according to court documents. At the Morrison County Jail, the criminal complaint said another 1.1 grams of meth was found in Bate’s underwear.
If convicted Bate faces up to five years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines.