FAIRMONT — A Welcome man is facing a felony charge in Martin County.

Jacob Andersen Loughmiller, 20, 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 report:

On Aug. 27, a Fairmont police officer observed a vehicle turn in front of him near Winnebago and Prairie avenues. The officer observed a suspended object hanging from the rearview mirror. The officer initiated a traffic stop and approached the vehicle.

The officer observed the driver and a passenger. The driver was identified as Loughmiller, who indicated the vehicle belonged to his girlfriend. He said he would call her to see if she knew the location of the insurance information.

While waiting for Loughmiller to make the call, the officer spoke to the passenger and could smell the distinct odor of marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle.

After Loughmiller obtained the insurance information, the officer had him step out of the vehicle. The officer asked Loughmiller if he had recently used marijuana in the vehicle, and Loughmiller said someone had smoked marijuana in it a couple of days prior.

When asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, Loughmiller said no. When asked for consent to search the vehicle, Loughmiller denied consent.

The officer then said he was going to have his canine partner perform an exterior sniff of the vehicle, and if he alerted to the presence of controlled substances he would perform a search of the vehicle.

Loughmiller asked if he could make a deal with the officer if there was something in the vehicle. The officer replied he was not in a position to make a deal, but if there was a small amount he might cut him a break. Loughmiller then admitted to having marijuana in a safe in the back.

Loughmiller indicated he had about an ounce, and his girlfriend had about an ounce. He also said he had a scale.

The officer searched the vehicle and opened the safe, where he discovered three large bags of marijuana, a digital scale and numerous empty Ziplock bags.

Loughmiller was transported to the Martin County jail, where he was read his rights and agreed to answer questions. Loughmiller admitted he picks up about 2 ounces of marijuana once per month and that he pays $250 to $350 for it.