HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Wichita man found with a large quantity of marijuana after he was stopped by a Reno County sheriff’s deputy for an expired tag last year entered a plea Thursday morning.

Forrest Ward was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of drug proceeds, possession of hydrocodone and an expired tag. He entered a plea to the first four counts. The expired tag charge was dropped.

Ward was in possession of 1.7 pounds of marijuana, hydrocodone, baggies for the sale of marijuana and $17,000 in cash.

With him entering the guilty pleas, he’s free to seek a downward departure and even some form of probation. However, Deputy District Attorney Tom Stanton says he will seek a prison sentence because of the amount of marijuana and the large amount of cash.

Ward waived his right to appeal any sentence handed down.

Reno County District Judge Joe McCarville set sentencing for Oct. 5.