Fentanyl Buy Leads to Drug Charge Against Rochester Man

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A law enforcement-facilitated fentanyl buy has led to a felony drug charge against a Rochester man. 

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That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Friday. Rochester police conducted the controlled buy last summer. 

The court document says the transaction was captured by covert recording equipment and that law enforcement conducted surveillance of the alleged drug sale. 

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Olmsted County Fentanyl Transaction Leads to Drug Charge Against Rochester Man With Lengthy Criminal History

26-year-old Keith Cabrera Mendoza is facing one count of first-degree drug sales. It’s at least the second time Mendoza has been charged in a felony criminal case this year. 

In January he was charged with felony theft in connection with a smash-and-grab burglary that resulted in the theft of 24 items from a Rochester jewelry store. 

The criminal complaint in that case says the merchandise was valued at $2,582.03. His next court hearing in that case is scheduled for next month. 

Read More: Warrants Lead to Arrest for Rochester Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store Theft 

The newest criminal complaint filed against Mendoza alleges he sold a law enforcement informant more than 40 M30 pills that tested positive for fentanyl. 

Court records indicate Mendoza has a criminal record that dates back to 2016 and includes a felony drug conviction in 2023. 

His bail was set at $50,000 following his first court appearance on Friday. Mendoza is due back in court for the drug case in April.