Washburn couple jailed after using drugs

Robert Aaseth, 59, was convicted of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver – methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a short-barreled weapon and possession of a firearm prohibited. The charge related to possession of methamphetamine carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. The remaining charges all carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Patricia Burns, 51, was also sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison after being convicted of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance – methamphetamine. She was found not guilty of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following their guilty verdicts, Aaseth and Burns, who were on bail awaiting trial, were taken into custody to begin serving their respective sentences.

Burns and Aaseth were initially charged after McLean County authorities executed a search warrant at their home last September, according to an affidavit. Law enforcement had obtained information that the two men were involved in the sale of narcotics, the document states.

Officers entered the home, arrested Aaseth and Burns and discovered several small plastic bags containing methamphetamine, according to the affidavit. Aaseth told authorities he had a safe in a room where “they would find a lot of stuff.” Aaseth voluntarily opened the safe, where McLean County investigators found nearly half a pound of methamphetamine, small plastic bags and a scale, according to the affidavit.

Elsewhere in the house, authorities recovered cocaine, a large amount of drug paraphernalia and a sawed-off shotgun, the affidavit states. Burns' and Aaseth's phones were also seized, and those phones revealed a number of messages about drug trafficking to known drug users, authorities said.