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Ceylon man faces felony drug counts

FAIRMONT — A Ceylon man is facing felony charges in Martin County.

Steven Lynn Petersen, 50, has been charged with drug possession in the first degree, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. He has also been charged wit drug possession in the third degree, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

According to the complaint:

On Feb. 27, a concerned citizen notified a Martin County sheriff’s deputy that Petersen was using and selling meth and mushrooms. On March 5, the deputy was notified that Petersen lives at a residence in the 100 block of West Sherman Street in Ceylon.

The deputy, with the assistance of a garbage collection company, collected the garbage left outside Petersen’s residence. The deputy discovered a soda bottle with a hole on the side and a straw sticking out of it that tested positive for meth. The deputy also discovered other items that tested positive for meth, as well as seven small Ziplock baggies that tested positive for amphetamines.

On March 26, the deputy executed another garbage pull at Petersen’s residence, discovering yet more items that tested positive for meth and amphetamines.

On March 27, the deputy obtained a search warrant for Petersen’s residence.

Officers made entry into the residence and discovered Petersen on a couch in the living room. He was placed in handcuffs. The deputy advised Petersen of his rights.

Officers discovered a bag with a white substance that later tested positive for meth.

Petersen was placed under arrest and transported to the Martin County jail.

During the search, officers discovered numerous meth pipes, Ziplock baggies, a kitchen scale, a bong containing a yellow liquid, a rifle and a shotgun. The rifle had a bullet in the chamber.

A check on Petersen’s criminal record showed he was convicted for domestic assault in 2009. He also had an active Order for Protection, advising him he is prohibited from possessing firearms.

The deputy later interviewed Petersen at the jail. Petersen admitted to “using” for about a year and a half. When asked what he does for work, Petersen could not give a straight answer and admitted to selling some drugs. When questioned further, he denied selling meth.

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