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

Carson Todd Sandersfeld, 20, has been charged with 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 May 17, Fairmont police officers were dispatched to a report of a motor vehicle accident in the 200 block of South Main Street. Upon arrival, officers observed two people standing outside a maroon Chevrolet Malibu that had significant front-end damage. Located at the front end of the Malibu was another vehicle.

An officer made contact with a male party, later identified as Sandersfeld. While speaking with Sandersfeld, the officer observed possible signs of his impairment. The officer observed Sandersfeld swaying, and he appeared to have signs of dry mouth on both sides of the inside of his mouth, as well as tremors in his hands.

The officer began photographing the vehicle and observed two plastic baggies in the center console that appeared to be controlled-substance related. When asked if he was under the influence of a controlled substance, Sandersfeld said he was not. When asked about the last time he used marijuana, Sandersfeld said it was a couple of days ago.

The officer advised Sandersfeld that he had observed the two baggies that appeared to have white residue inside. The baggies later tested positive for the presence of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

When asked again about the use of marijuana, Sandersfeld stated he had used “yesterday.” After undergoing field sobriety tests, Sandersfeld was placed under arrest and transported to the Martin County jail, where he was advised of his rights.

During the course of the interview, Sandersfeld said he does not use other controlled substances besides marijuana. He indicated he had been taking prescription medication for several weeks.

The officer asked about the baggies, and Sandersfeld denied knowing they were in there. He said he believed the baggies belonged to a friend who was in the vehicle last night on a road trip to Albert Lea. A search warrant was obtained and executed for a sample of Sandersfeld’s blood, which was sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for testing.

On June 28, the officer received a report from the BCA on the analysis of Sandersfeld’s blood. The blood tested positive for the presence of cocaine and for methylendioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as Ecstasy.

Officers later discovered the baggies testing positive for cocaine were discovered about 30 yards from Ward Park in Fairmont.