Rochester Stolen Vehicle Investigation Leads to Meth Conviction

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A former Rochester man has been sentenced to probation for a drug conviction stemming from a stolen vehicle investigation.

Former Rochester Man Sentenced in Local Drug Case

Thirty-five-year-old Shane Joseph Anderson, who now has a South St. Paul address, entered into a plea agreement in March and admitted to a third-degree drug possession charge. In exchange, a charge of receiving stolen property was dismissed.

Anderson was sentenced for the conviction this week. He was placed on probation for five years and was given a stayed prison sentence of nearly five years that he could be required to serve if he fails to successfully complete probation.

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Stolen Vehicle Located in Northwest Rochester

Court records indicate his conviction stems from an incident that occurred in January 2025. The criminal complaint says Rochester police were dispatched to check on a vehicle that had been reported stolen in Dodge County and located it in northwest Rochester.

Kim David/TSM

Police Find Suspected Meth in Stolen Vehicle

The court document says the responding officers found Anderson sitting in the driver's seat with the door open. They also reported spotting a baggie of suspected methamphetamine fall to the ground as Anderson exited the vehicle.

According to the criminal complaint, a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of two additional bags containing just over 18 grams of methamphetamine. The search also led to the discovery of a digital scale.

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Court Records Detail Anderson's Criminal History

Minnesota court records show that Anderson has a lengthy criminal history dating back more than 15 years that includes multiple felony convictions for offenses including burglary, vehicle theft and drug possession.

Prior to the 2025 case, Anderson's most recent felony conviction involved a vehicle theft in Hastings in 2021. He was sentenced to three years of probation.