Prison ordered after marijuana stop

NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. — A 58-year-old Oregon man was sentenced to prison Monday, but Judge Julie Smith said he will immediately be eligible for parole under a state law that says parole is possible within two years of the release date.

Michael Dias of Cottage Grove, Ore., was arrested after an Otoe County K9 unit located four large trash bags in the rear cargo area of an SUV and seized 64 pounds of marijuana in September.

Dias told Judge Smith Monday that he regrets his actions and poor choice.

Public Defender Michael  Ziskey noted that Dias could be considered for probation because of his limited criminal record and his low risk to re-offend, according to a state probation assessment.

Dias was sentenced to two to four years in prison, but Judge Smith said he will be eligible for parole right away because of 148 days already served in county jail.

The judge said transporting the marijuana is a serious offense made more serious because a firearm was also found in the SUV.