Court No-Show Could Add Years to Rochester Man's Drug Sentence

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Failing to appear in court for his sentencing hearing could nearly double a Rochester man's sentence for a felony drug conviction.

Olmsted County court records indicate that an arrest warrant was issued today for 52-year-old Mark Anthony Heath. He entered into a plea agreement last October involving charges stemming from a traffic stop in January of last year that led to the discovery of more than 25 grams of methamphetamine and about $1,200 in cash.

photo by Andy Brownell TSM-Rochester

Drugs, Cash, Fleeing Law Enforcement

He was also charged with felony fleeing for a police pursuit in May of last year. The criminal complaint in that case says Heath was spotted speeding on a motorcycle in northeast Olmsted County and was accused of weaving in and out of traffic in no-passing zones in an attempt to elude an Olmsted County Sheriff's Office corporal.

Photo by Andy Brownell TSM Rochester

Provision of Plea Agreement Addresses Skipping Court

Under the terms of his plea agreement, the case involving the law enforcement pursuit was dismissed in exchange for guilty pleas to the felony drug charges connected to the January traffic stop. The plea deal also included a recommended 68-month prison sentence for Heath but also stated that prosecutors would recommend a 125-month sentence if he failed to report to court for sentencing.

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Decades Long Criminal History

Heath has a lengthy criminal history that dates back more than 20 years. Court records show he has multiple felony drug convictions, including a 2005 first-degree drug sale conviction in Fillmore County that resulted in a 158-month prison term. He also received a five-year prison sentence in 2011 after he was convicted of felony assault in Fillmore County.

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Gallery Credit: Minnesota Now