AUSTIN, Minn. – A traffic stop that uncovered drugs and a stolen handgun has now resulted in a guilty plea.
Jacob Patrick Finnegan, 23 of Austin, was arrested on March 21 after an Austin police officer saw him driving with an expired license plate. After stopping Finnegan’s vehicle, police said a check found the front and rear license plates were registered to different cars. An officer than said Finnegan failed several field sobriety tests.
Police said a search of Finnegan’s vehicle then turned up 3.5 grams of methamphetamine, 2.5 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a .40 caliber Glock pistol that had been reported stolen, a box of .40 caliber ammunition, and a magazine for another pistol.
Finnegan was charged with three felonies and five misdemeanors before eventually pleading guilty to violent felon in possession of a firearm. Authorities say he has three previous drug convictions in Mower County.
Finnegan’s sentencing is scheduled for October 18.