1 Pound Meth Bust in Rochester Sends Winona Man to Prison
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A southeastern Minnesota man with a lengthy criminal history has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison.
Prison Sentence For Major Rochester Drug Bust
Fifty-five-year-old Tracy Allen Benson appeared before an Olmsted County judge Monday afternoon and received an 88-month prison sentence. His sentencing order gives him credit for the 104 days he has already spent in jail.
Court records indicate that Benson entered into a plea agreement in May and admitted to a second-degree drug sale charge. He originally faced an aggravated first-degree drug charge involving a firearm, one count each of first-degree drug sales and first-degree drug possession, and a charge of illegal firearm possession by a person convicted of a crime of violence. Those charges were dismissed as part of the plea deal.
READ MORE: Guilty Plea For Rochester Drug Bust Involving a Pound of Meth
Traffic Stop in Rochester Led to Methamphetamine Discovery
According to the criminal complaint, the Winona man was arrested in April of last year following a traffic stop by an Olmsted County Sheriff's deputy in Rochester. The deputy had spotted Benson driving a vehicle with a malfunctioning brake light. During the traffic stop, a K-9 officer alerted to the presence of narcotics.
More Than a Pound of Meth Found in Vehicle
The court document says that led to a search of the vehicle and the discovery of a bag containing Ziploc baggies filled with methamphetamine. The drugs and packaging weighed more than a pound, according to the court document.
Cocaine and Revolver Also Discovered During Search
The charging documents say the search also led to the discovery of 1.6 grams of cocaine and a five-shot, .22-caliber revolver bearing a label that read “Switch Gun.” Twenty-one green tabs were also found in another baggie, but testing of the substance produced inconclusive results.
READ MORE: Rochester Traffic Stop Leads to Major Drug Bust, Gun Discovery
Minnesota court records indicate that Benson has a criminal history that includes multiple felony convictions dating back to 1998.
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Gallery Credit: Christine Manika (TSM)
