FAIRMONT — A Mankato woman is facing a felony charge in Martin County.

Tina Marie Schintz, 39, has been charged with drug possession in the fifth degree, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

According to the complaint:

On March 20, a Fairmont police officer ran the license plate of a vehicle, discovering that the registration expired in August 2017. The plate, however, had a “19” sticker on it, suggesting it was valid. The officer initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Schintz.

Schintz indicated she had purchased the vehicle six days prior.

When asked for her license and proof of registration, Schintz eventually said it was suspended or revoked.

The officer observed that Schintz appeared nervous. Another officer observed a knife behind the driver’s seat and asked Schintz if there were any weapons in the vehicle. She said, “No.”

The officer asked Schintz to step out of the vehicle and the first officer performed a frisk search of her. The officer later observed a plastic baggie containing a white powdery substance, which later tested positive for meth.

Schintz was placed under arrest.

Searching the vehicle, officers discovered a small baggie of marijuana in a coin holder in the center console, as well as a small vial containing meth in a white purse.

Schintz was transported to the Martin County jail, where she submitted to an interview and admitted the purse belonged to her. She denied that any of the meth belonged to her.