Probation handed down in Norris Park drug report

McCOOK, Neb. -- An 18-year-old man was sentenced to probation Monday in Red Willow County District Court stemming from drug charges related to a report of three individuals smoking marijuana at Norris Park in June. The offender, Branden M. Lucas, admitted guilt to a Class IV felony offense for possession of methamphetamine and was subsequently sentenced to 30 months probation.

Lucas was originally cited with additional offenses for possession of marijuana and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Red Willow County Attorney Paul Wood did not pursue the influence offense and offered Lucas a plea agreement dismissing the marijuana infraction, in exchange for a admitting guilty to the felony meth offense.

Lucas was accompanied by Vanessa Lopez and Justin Cruz at the time of the offense. Cruz was similarly cited with offenses for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and being under the influence of a controlled substance.