Three Minnesota men face a raft of misdemeanor and felony charges after a search of their Lake Crystal home allegedly led to the discovery of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, stolen property and a firearm. Agents from the Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force say they searched the residence after receiving tips from local residents about suspicious activity including frequent brief visits. The men, who are 22, 25 and 30 years of age, heard the charges against them on Feb. 25 in Blue Earth County District Court.
According to court documents, the 22-year-old man was taken into custody without incident outside the residence when agents arrived at the West Humphrey Street home. The 30-year-old man was allegedly found in an upstairs bathroom with a syringe in his pocket that contained methamphetamine. Agents say that the bathroom also contained a glass plate and a bag containing more methamphetamine. Agents believe the man was attempting to dispose of evidence.
Outside the home, agents are said to have discovered a bag containing a loaded sawed-off shotgun and two shells. A laptop that agents later learned had been stolen from a nearby Walmart was allegedly found inside a car on the property. Inside the house, agents say they seized an unspecified quantity of methamphetamine and a set of digital scales.
When narcotics cases involve several defendants, prosecutors will often offer significant concessions to individuals who step forward and cooperate. However, they may become far less generous once they believe the evidence they have is enough to secure a conviction. This is why experienced criminal defense attorneys in such situations may advise suspects who face serious drug charges and are considering a negotiated plea agreement to act quickly.
Source: The Mankato Free Press, “Suspected meth, sawed-off shotgun seized in Lake Crystal”, Kristine Goodrich, Feb. 27, 2019
Source: Southern Minnesota News, “3 Lake Crystal men charged after meth, weapons found in home”, Staff report, Feb. 28, 2019