Controlled Buy & Search Warrant Leads to Multiple Drug Charges Against Rochester Man

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Rochester man is facing multiple drug charges after a controlled buy and execution of a search warrant. 

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That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Thursday. The execution of the search warrant happened on Wednesday. 

Court records indicate the man arrested and now charged has a criminal record that dates back to 2012 and includes three prior felony drug convictions. 

Rochester Police Seize Meth & Fentanyl During Search That Followed Controlled Buy

54-year-old Mario Randell Peterson is charged with three counts of first-degree drug sales and three counts of second-degree drug sales. 

The complaint alleges he sold a Rochester police informant methamphetamine that weighed 29 grams with packaging earlier this month. 

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Following the controlled buy, investigators executed a search warrant at his northwest home. 

Officers arrested Peterson for the controlled buy and found four baggies containing meth and fentanyl on him, as well as two phones and $210 in case, the court document says. 

The charges also say investigators also found “numerous items related to controlled substance packaging,” in Peterson’s bedroom. 

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Peterson had 13.2 grams of fentanyl and 36.5 grams of meth on him at the time of his arrest, the complaint states. 

Peterson’s bail was set at $350,000 without conditions following his first court appearance on Thursday. He is due back in court next month.