WINNEMUCCA — A man caught traveling with a pound of crystal meth hidden in a secret compartment in his car has pleaded no contest to reduced charges.

Juan Erik Cuevas, 28, was arrested in February and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance level III, a category A felony.

Cuevas was in 6^th Judicial District Court on Friday (May 28) where he pleaded no contest to trafficking in a controlled substance level II, a category B felony.  The defendant faces a possible prison sentence of 4-10 years in prison and deportation to his native country once his prison sentence is served.

Chief Deputy DA Brian Williams and Humboldt County Public Defender Matt Stermitz negotiated the settlement.

Probation is only available on this charge when the defendant has provided substantial assistance to law enforcement, which does not appear to be the case in this matter.

The sentencing hearing was set for 11:30 a.m. July 26.

Cuevas was in court on Friday for a hearing on a motion to suppress evidence filed by his attorney. However, the matter was settled instead.

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