Rochester Man Gets Jail Time After Large Drug Seizure

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man has been given a jail sentence for a felony conviction connected to a significant drug seizure two years ago.

According to Olmsted County court records, 41-year-old Tyler Lee Johnson was charged in February 2024 after the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crimes Enforcement Team executed a search warrant at a residence in the 400 block of 9th Street Northwest, near the Northrup Community Education Building. The criminal complaint says investigators discovered cocaine, hallucinogenic mushrooms, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and a variety of drug paraphernalia during the search.

Search Warrant and Drug Discovery

The criminal complaint says the seized cocaine weighed approximately 46 grams and the hallucinogenic mushrooms weighed approximately 44 grams. The court document indicates most of the drugs were found hidden in ceiling insulation in the garage of the home.

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Firearm Found During Investigation

Investigators also found a loaded 12-gauge shotgun in a box located in the middle of the garage. The criminal complaint notes that Johnson is ineligible to possess a firearm due to a previous first-degree burglary conviction.

Charges and Plea Agreement

Johnson was charged with first-degree drug sales, second-degree drug possession, three counts of fifth-degree drug possession, and illegal possession of a firearm and/or ammunition by a person convicted of a crime of violence. Court records indicate he entered into a plea agreement last August and admitted to the second-degree drug possession charge in exchange for the dismissal of the remaining charges.

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He has been sentenced to 90 days in jail, with credit for the 35 days he has already spent in custody. The sentencing order indicates he was granted work-release privileges. Johnson was also placed on probation for five years.