Rochester Man Charged After 3/4 pound Meth Bust

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man was formally arraigned Friday on charges stemming from a recent drug bust in Rochester involving more than three-quarters of a pound of suspected methamphetamine.

Major Drug Bust in Rochester This Week

Forty-seven-year-old Clarence Antonia Washington is charged with first-degree drug sale and possession, along with illegal possession of a firearm. His conditional bail is set at $100,000.

Rochester police vehicle

Large-cap quantity of Methamphetamine and Cash Seized

According to the criminal complaint, Rochester police obtained search warrants for a residence in southeast Rochester, Washington’s vehicle, and Washington himself. The warrants were executed Wednesday, and the court document states that investigators found 345 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine inside the residence. A search of the home also led to the discovery of unused Ziploc bags, several digital scales that also field-tested positive for methamphetamine, and $1,350 in cash.

ALSO SEE: Olmsted Judge Dismisses Charges Involving 2 Pound Meth Bust

Handgun Found in Suspects Car

Court documents state that investigators later located Washington driving his vehicle on Highway 52 near Chatfield and initiated a traffic stop. The criminal complaint states that a .45-caliber handgun was found in the vehicle’s center console, along with more than $2,600 in cash.

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The criminal complaint states that Washington is ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition because of a previous criminal sexual conduct conviction.