A Minot man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to delivery of fentanyl and tampering with physical evidence.

Darrell Lynn Thomas Jr., 28, entered his change of plea in North Central District Court on Friday, Oct. 31, pleading guilty to delivery of controlled substance-fentanyl, a Class B felony, and tampering with physical evidence, a Class C felony. A Class B felony count of possession with intent to delivery-fentanyl was dismissed in accordance with a plea agreement.

According to court documents, the charges against Thomas stemmed from a controlled purchase by the Ward County Narcotics Task Force in January. The controlled purchase led investigators to a southeast Minot residence.

A search warrant was executed at the residence, during which Thomas attempted to flush 10 fentanyl pills down a toilet before he was detained. $200 in Task Force buy fund money was located in Thomas’ duffle bag, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Judge Richard Hagar sentenced Thomas to serve 10 years with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, with all but 18 months suspended pending the completion of three years of supervised probation. Thomas was given credit for 72 days already served, and assessed $775 in court fines and fees.