POLSON — A repeat offender will serve four years in prison for his latest crime, possessing the chemicals and materials needed to make meth.

In district court Wednesday, Judge C.B. McNeil approved the plea deal that sentenced Ronald Lee Phillips Jr., 48, to nine years in prison, with five years suspended, in exchange for his pleading guilty to the amended offense of criminal possession of precursors to dangerous drugs, a felony.

Under Montana law, the crime carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in the state prison and a fine of $50,000.

Tribal Officer Casey Couture busted Philips’ drug operation July 5 in Pablo when he stopped him for having an expired car registration. Court documents state that during the traffic stop Couture asked Phillips if he had any drugs in his car.

Phillips replied yes and surrendered a small amount of marijuana. Couture then asked Phillips for permission to search the vehicle; he consented but warned Couture he would find the precursors to meth. When asked if he had a complete lab, Phillips replied “pretty g-- d--- close.”

After obtaining a search warrant, Couture and other officers searched the vehicle and discovered materials used to cook meth including a propane tank, a hot plate and pseudoephedrine.

Following that bust, Phillips was booked into the Lake County Jail on five charges, including two felonies: operating a clandestine lab and possessing the precursors to dangerous drugs. Together, they carry a potential 60 years in prison and $75,000 in fines.

Phillips is no stranger to the court system. He has been arrested multiple times over the last 15 years and has served time on a number of drug-related crimes.

In Oct. of 2005, Phillips was convicted of felony criminal distribution of dangerous drugs and criminal possession with intent to distribute. He was given a suspended sentence but was soon revoked for violating parole. Again he was released. Again he violated parole and was revoked — this time to serve the full prison sentence.

Following Wednesday morning’s hearing, Phillips left the courtroom on his own recognizance. He will remain free until sentencing, set for Sept. 14.