Repeat Probation Violations Send Rochester Drug Dealer to Prison

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - After more than a half-dozen probation violations and multiple failures to appear in court, a man convicted of drug dealing in Rochester six years ago has been sent to prison

Olmsted County court records show that 38-year-old Nathan Allen Keithley entered a guilty plea to a first-degree drug sale charge in 2019. Through a plea agreement, a second first-degree drug charge was dismissed.

June 2019 Drug Bust

According to the criminal complaint against him, Keithley was arrested in June 2019 after Rochester police responded to a report of drug use in a vehicle in a parking lot. That led to the deployment of a K-9 officer, which alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle.

TJ Leverentz TSM Rochester

Cocaine and Methamphetamine Seized

The court document says a search turned up a small bag containing cocaine, a cigarette box holding methamphetamine, and a pill container with methamphetamine inside. The total weight of the drugs, including packaging, was put at more than 47 grams. The officers also reported finding nearly $1,200 in cash and what was described as a drug ledger with Keithley's name written on it.

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Court records show that Keithley's probation violations included a felony stalking conviction and an arrest in a Wabasha County burglary case that led to a gross misdemeanor theft conviction in 2024.

Probation Extended…Until Now

Following his conviction in 2019, Keithley was sentenced to 20 years on probation. His probationary sentence was continued after each violation until Thursday, when an Olmsted County judge ordered him to serve a 65-month prison term. Keithley was given credit for 200 days he has spent in jail.

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