A Bismarck man has been granted a suspended sentence after entering a change plea to one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver.

Steven Andrew Vasquez, 31, entered his change of plea on Aug. 13 in North Central District Court, pleading guilty to one count of possession with intent to deliver-fentanyl, a Class B misdemeanor. One Class C felony of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia was dismissed in accordance with a plea agreement.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Vasquez was arrested on three active warrants by a Minot Police Officer on Aug. 3, 2024 as he was riding his skateboard southbound on 11st Street Northwest.

A search of his person located 17 blue pills determined to be fentanyl, a scale with narcotics residue, two smoking devices, and $233 in cash.

District Judge Todd Cresap sentenced Vasquez to serve 10 years with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, with all but 144 days suspended pending the completion of three years of supervised probation. Vasquez was given credit for 144 days already served. He was also assessed $725 in court fines and fees. The $233 was ordered to be forfeited to the Ward County Narcotics Task Force.