MARION COUNTY — A 43-year-old man was sentenced Tuesday in Marion County court to 3-years in prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing more than 15 grams of methamphetamine.

Roy Stinson will also have to serve 2-years mandatory supervised release after he completes his prison sentence. He was given credit for time served in the Marion County Jail since his March arrest.

According to court records, Stinson, who said he was homeless, and 53-year-old Victor Akin, of Benton, were arrested by Marion County Sheriff’s deputies during a traffic stop on Salem’s west side.

Deputy reports say as Stinson was being questioned during the traffic stop, he threw two baggies into an area of tall grass.

The Marion County canine Valor retrieved the baggies and Stinson reportedly turned over a third baggie later of what field tested as meth that he had hidden in his clothing.

The two men informed deputies that they had come to Marion County to purchase the meth.

Akin has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a June jury trial.