Federal Prosecutors Take Over Rochester Drug Trafficking Case

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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Feds have taken over the prosecution of a Rochester man accused of trafficking large amounts of fentanyl and other drugs.

Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem says his office dismissed the charges brought against 45-year-old John Michael Ask last year after his case was transferred to the US Attorney for Minnesota. Federal court documents indicate Ask has been charged with several drug offenses, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and several other charges.

The federal prosecution stems from his arrest by Rochester police last July as part of a nationwide drug trafficking investigation. Olmsted County Court documents say a search of his residence led to the seizure of 7 pounds of pills containing fentanyl. At the time, local law enforcement officials stated that the large amount of the narcotics suggested Ask could have a high-up role in a drug trafficking operation.

While he was free on bond in September of last year, Rochester police served an apprehension order on Ask and allegedly found him in possession of 48 grams of crack cocaine. That led to the execution of multiple search warrants that led to the seizure of significant quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, and ecstasy.

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