Malfunctioning Brake Light Leads to Suspected Meth Bust in Rochester
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A traffic stop for a malfunctioning brake light led to the discovery of suspected drug sales in Rochester Monday evening.
Charges filed Tuesday against 60-year-old Dean Aarsvold of Hayfield indicate Rochester police officers discovered over 55 grams of meth and items that indicate drug sales in Aarsvold’s vehicle following the traffic stop.
The criminal complaint says the police officer spotted a white truck at a “ known narcotics residence” in the 800 block of 16th Ave. Southeast around 6 p.m. The officer reported seeing two men loading items brought out from the residence into the truck.
The officer then saw the vehicle leave and pulled it over when he saw the inoperable headlight. Aarsvold was one of two passengers in the truck that was being driven by a woman.
The complaint says the three people had inconsistent accounts of what they were doing and where they were going. The officer also detected the odor of marijuana, which prompted a search of the vehicle.
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The search uncovered the suspected meth that was disbursed in six baggies, an electronic scale, baggies with a white residue inside and a white powder on a piece of broken glass. Officers also found tupperware containing suspected meth, marijuana and drug parahinila on Aarsvold, according to the complaint.
The complaint states Aarsvold refused to speak with police but the driver of the vehicle told officers the drugs belonged to Aarsvold. She said Aarsvold used to sell drugs.
Aarsvold is charged with first-degree drug sales and first-degree drug possession. Court records indicate he has at least five drug possession convictions in multiple counties across southeast Minnesota that date back to 1992.
If you or someone you know if struggling with drug and/or alcohol dependence, help is available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website. To speak to someone on the phone, dial 1-800-622-HELP (1-800-622-4357) or send a text message to 1-800-487-4889.
Aarsvold was arraigned in Olmsted County Court Tuesday and released without bail but with conditions. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 11.