Man Charged in Drug Case Sees Reduced Charges

Timothy M. Grindeland pleaded no contest to lesser offenses after initial felony charges.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 8:22am

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Timothy M. Grindeland, 59, of Faribault, Minnesota, pleaded no contest to reduced charges this week in York County District Court. Grindeland was initially charged with possession of a controlled substance, no drug tax stamp, and possession of more than one pound of marijuana, all felonies. The charges were amended to two counts of attempted Class 4 felonies, which are Class 1 misdemeanors.

Why it matters

The reduction of charges highlights the complexities of drug cases and the potential for plea bargaining to result in lesser sentences, even for relatively serious offenses. It also reflects the discretion prosecutors have in determining appropriate charges based on the specific circumstances of each case.

The details

Grindeland was arrested by the York County Sheriff's Office during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 last October. During the stop, deputies reportedly found 2.5 pounds of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in Grindeland's vehicle. He initially pleaded not guilty to the felony charges, but this week changed his plea to no contest on the reduced misdemeanor charges.

  • Grindeland was arrested by the York County Sheriff's Office in October 2025.
  • Grindeland pleaded no contest to the reduced charges this week in York County District Court.
  • Grindeland's sentencing is scheduled for May 11, 2026.

The players

Timothy M. Grindeland

A 59-year-old man from Faribault, Minnesota, who was charged with drug offenses in York, Nebraska.

York County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that arrested Grindeland during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 and discovered marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle.

York County District Court

The court where Grindeland's case was heard and his charges were reduced from felonies to misdemeanors.

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What’s next

Grindeland's sentencing is scheduled for May 11, 2026, where the judge will determine his final punishment for the reduced misdemeanor charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for plea bargaining to result in reduced charges, even for relatively serious drug offenses. It also underscores the discretion prosecutors have in determining appropriate charges based on the specific circumstances of each case.