Charges Dismissed in Rochester Case Linked to 3.3 Pound Meth Bust

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Charges have been dismissed against a Rochester man in a drug case connected to the seizure of more than 3 pounds of methamphetamine.

Judge suppresses evidence in Rochester Drug case

45-year-old Robert Kiff Anderson was charged in December of last year with first-degree drug sales and third-degree drug possession. Olmsted County court documents indicate those charges were dismissed earlier this week after a judge suppressed the majority of the evidence in the case, ruling that investigators lacked probable cause to execute a search warrant at his residence.

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What investigators found at Anderson's apartment

According to the criminal complaint, the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office executed a "knock and announce" search warrant at Anderson's apartment in northeast Rochester. The court document says the search resulted in the discovery of a 24.5-gram package of methamphetamine, a digital scale that field-tested positive for the drug, along with other items often associated with illegal drug sales.

The court ruling dismissing the charges against Anderson says the search warrant was based on frequent contact with another man who had a "known controlled substance-related history" and was seen visiting Anderson's residence the day before the execution of the search warrant. The judge ruled that was insufficient evidence to support a reasonable search of the Rochester man's property.

Nearly 3.3 pounds of meth seized in separate traffic stop

After leaving Anderson's residence, the court documents say the other man was stopped while driving on Highway 52, and a search of his vehicle led to the discovery of just under 3.3 pounds of methamphetamine and other evidence of drug sales. 58-year-old Mark Darrel Steffes was arrested and charged with first-degree drug sales and first-degree drug possession.

His criminal case is still pending. Conditional bail for the Minneapolis man is set at $50,000.