PONTIAC - A Normal man was sentenced to four years in prison Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to having near 1½ pounds of marijuana in his car's trunk during a traffic stop.

Martiz Wilbon, 22, who listed a Fell Avenue address, previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.

Livingston County Circuit Judge Harold Frobish said he considered Wilbon's background and the severity of the crime in deciding the sentence.

"You have potential, … but for financial reasons you became a drug dealer," Frobish said. "This is a waste of someone with your intelligence, but that's the path you chose."

He was arrested in late January after a state police trooper noticed the smell of marijuana in Wilbon's car, police said. Wilbon had been speeding when he was pulled over on southbound Interstate 55, police said.

A search turned up 628 grams of marijuana was found in the trunk, police said.

Assistant State's Attorney Scott Terry recommended a six-year prison term because Wilbon had a prior criminal history of unlawful drug possession.

Public Defender Tracy Smith argued for probation and drug treatment has he was completely cooperative and candid with police, has graduated high school and taken some junior college classes.

During his opportunity to speak, Wilbon said he was sorry for his actions and that he would be a changed person now that he is a father.

"I do apologize, and since I have a child I want to be a better father than my father was to me," Wilbon said. "I will not be back here."

Wilbon also was ordered to pay fines and fees of more than $1,800, including an $800 fine based on the drug's street value.

Frobish did recommend Wilbon be admitted to the Illinois Department of Corrections' 180-day "boot camp" program. Wilbon could be freed if he successfully completes the military-style program.

A woman in the car with Wilbon at the time of the arrest, Nadeasha Thompson, 22, of Fell Avenue in Normal, has pleaded guilty to the same charges. She will be sentenced in June.