Teen sentenced to prison for drug conviction

Published 9:04 am Monday, April 9, 2018

Obka Charles Phanuel, 17, of Austin was sentenced on Thursday in Mower County District Court to 12 months and one day in the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud for felony fifth-degree drugs – sale – marijuana mixture except small amount of marijuana with no remuneration. He received credit for 92 days served.

He was also sentenced to 90 days in jail for misdemeanor fifth-degree assault, but was credited the 90 days.

Judge Christa M. Daily issued the sentences.

Email newsletter signup

Phanuel was arrested on Oct. 24 after a police officer and a probation agent found a jar and two gallon-sized bags full of marijuana in his room during a home visit. Phanuel attempted to flee by pushing the probation agent forcefully against the doorjamb and running past her. He ran out of the house while wearing an electronic monitoring device and was apprehended.

The total contents of the bag weighed a total of 10.5 ounces. Police also found a scale and small bags consistent with selling drugs.

Charges of felony escape from custody and felony theft-intent to exercise temporary control were dismissed.