Beckham County, OK – A man previously released on bond after being accused of trafficking more than 120 pounds of marijuana in Beckham County has now received a deferred sentence, according to court records.

As previously reported by KECO, Mahdi Ishmael J. Alston was arrested in December 2024 following a traffic stop that led to the seizure of approximately 120 pounds of marijuana. He was later released on a $50,000 bond while the case moved through the court system.

Court documents now show that on December 17, 2025, Alston entered a guilty plea to one felony count of unlawful possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute marijuana. The charge stems from the December 8, 2024 incident in Beckham County.

Under the terms of the court’s ruling, Alston was granted a five year deferred sentence, extending through December 18, 2030. During that time, he will be on probation and must not violate any state, tribal, federal, or municipal laws.

As part of the deferred sentence, Alston is required to complete a drug and alcohol assessment within 60 days and follow all recommendations from that evaluation. He must also obtain and maintain lawful employment, submit to random urinalysis or breath testing, and receive permission before traveling outside the state.

In addition, the court ordered Alston to pay fines and fees totaling more than $1,700, including prosecution costs, a drug abuse assessment fee, laboratory fees, and a victim compensation assessment.

If Alston successfully completes the terms of his deferred sentence, the felony conviction may be dismissed at the end of the probationary period. Failure to comply could result in the sentence being accelerated and imposed by the court.

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