Rochester Man Accused of Selling Meth and Fentanyl out of Hotel Room

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A convicted drug dealer is facing new charges in a Rochester drug case. 

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The criminal complaint, filed in Olmsted County Court on Thursday, says Rochester police made the drug bust on Tuesday.

The court document also says officers witnessed a suspected drug deal while conducting surveillance. 

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Narcotics Investigation Leads to Meth and Fentanyl Bust in Rochester

48-year-old Richard Allen Dalton is charged with one count of first-degree drug sales, two counts of first-degree drug possession and a count of second-degree drug possession. 

The criminal complaint says Rochester police found 55 grams of methamphetamine and digital scales inside of Dalton’s room at an unnamed hotel in the 2800 43rd St NW while executing a search warrant. 

Prior to the room search, police conducting surveillance saw Dalton appear to engage in a hand-to-hand drug sale at a local Rochester business. 

Meth and Fentanyl Found During Traffic Stops

Officers stopped the man Dalton was seen with and caught him with 29.42 grams of methamphetamine. Police also pulled over Dalton and found 20.5 grams of fentanyl on him, according to the court document. 

During an interview with law enforcement, the Rochester man told investigators he sells fentanyl and meth, “because he has no other way to make money,” the complaint states. 

He also admitted to the meth sale witnessed by officers.

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Court Records indicate Dalton was previously convicted of second-degree drug sales in Olmsted County in May of 2013. He had completed his sentence for the conviction in July of 2022.

Dalton made his first court appearance on Thursday. His conditional bail was set at $25,000 and he’s due back in court later this month.