Rochester Police Find Cocaine, AR-15 During Home Search

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester police narcotics investigation has led to a felony charge against a Rochester man.

Rochester Police Search Leads to Felony Drug Charge

A criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court late last week charges 40-year-old Vanthsy Keokong with one count of first-degree drug sales. The court document says he was arrested on the afternoon of September 1 after Rochester police officers executed a search warrant at a home in the 1900 block of 23 1/2 Street Southeast.

The criminal complaint states that Keokong lived in the home with a 37-year-old woman and their children. The woman was also taken into custody during the execution of the search warrant but was later released.

Rochester police vehicle

Criminal Complaint Details Evidence Found in Rochester Home

Rochester police reported that the search of the home led to the discovery of just over 32 grams of suspected cocaine on a plate, a digital scale, a quantity of a "cutting agent," and other packaging items that included baggies and heat-sealing equipment. The criminal complaint also indicates that Keokong had $1,200 in cash in his possession.

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Police Say AR-15 Was Also Discovered During Search

The court document says an AR-15 rifle was also found in the home. The lower portion of the firearm was located in the lower level of the house, while the upper portion of the weapon was discovered in an upstairs bedroom. Investigators stated that they were able to assemble the AR-15, and a basic function test showed that it was operable.

Conditional bail for Keokong was set at $25,000.