Morton woman sentenced in Redwood County court for drug offenses

A Morton woman, Joan Rae Pendleton, age 23, was sentenced in Redwood County court for drug offenses that occurred during a stop at a Redwood Falls business.

According to court documents, on Aug. 15, 2019, the Redwood Falls Police Department received a report of a Pendleton passed out in a vehicle at one of the car washes in Redwood Falls. Dispatch advised officers she already had an active apprehension and detention order for her arrest.

Officers went to the car wash and found Pendleton awake in a vehicle. She stated she the battery had died and she was waiting for a friend to pick her up. Officers informed her of the order for her arrest, and she refused to leave the vehicle, not getting out until another family member arrived.

When Pendleton attempted to reach for something in the back seat of the vehicle, she resisted arrest. Officers were finally able to place her in handcuffs. She refused to get into the squad car, and attempted to kick the officers. Before the vehicle was towed away, officers found methamphetamine and various types of drug paraphernalia.

On Oct. 10, Joan Raw Pendleton was sentenced for felony controlled substance crime in the fifth degree to 17 months, stayed for five years, in the correctional facility in Shakopee, local confinement with 294 days credit for time served, five years supervised probation, and fees and fines of $385.