A Minot man was sentenced to four years after entering a change of plea to six felony counts related to narcotics distribution in North Central District Court on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Dalton Leroy Savage, 34, Minot, entered his change of plea in two separate cases, pleading guilty to on Class A felony count of delivery of controlled substance-methamphetamine-50 grams or more; one count of delivery of controlled substance-fentanyl and possession with intent to manufacture/deliver-methamphetamine, both Class B felonies. Two Class C felony counts of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a premises or property for the use, storage, or sale of controlled substances were dismissed in accordance with a plea agreement.

According to court documents, both cases arose from Ward County Narcotics Task Force investigations in June and July.

The June case stemmed from a controlled purchase of two ounces of methamphetamine from Savage on June 4 by a confidential informant who was wearing an audio recording device. According to the June affidavit of probable cause, Savage and the informant met at a Minot restaurant parking lot for the narcotics transaction.

The July 10 affidavit of probable cause stated the second case resulted from Task Force investigators locating a vehicle owned by Krista Kay Peters, 37, who was in a relationship with Savage. Both Peters and Savage had active warrants at that time.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Task Force officers conducted surveillance at a Minot hotel the pair were staying at, and conducted a vehicle suppression technique to detain Savage as he was allegedly conducting a drug transaction in the parking lot. Peters was arrested in the hotel room.

A search of both the hotel room and Savage’s vehicle located methamphetamine and fentanyl pills along with a variety of narcotic and distribution paraphernalia.

In the June case, Judge Richard Hagar sentenced Savage to 20 years with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, with all but four years suspended pending the completion of three years of supervised probation. Savage was given credit for 119 days already served, and assessed $1,025 in court fines and fees.

Hagar ordered a concurrent sentence of 10 years for the July case, with all but three years suspended pending the completion of three years of supervised probation. He was assessed $775 in court fines and fees. The $1,015 and 2006 Dodge Charger seized shall be forfeited to the Ward County Narcotic Task Force.