Man pleads not guilty to meth sale
Published 12:14 pm Tuesday, April 30, 2013
A 32-year-old Albert Lea man has pleaded not guilty to selling crystal methamphetamine to an undercover officer.
Thomas Lee Tuttle, 32, entered the plea Monday in Freeborn County District Court to one count of first-degree drug sales.
Thomas Lee Tuttle
He invoked his Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial.
Court documents allege Tuttle sold 25 grams of meth to the undercover officer on the evening of March 26 when the officer, an informant and Tuttle reportedly went on a drive in the area of Ramsey and Pillsbury streets.
The meth reportedly sold for $1,800.
Court records state Tuttle was arrested after an officer served a search warrant at 615 Pillsbury Ave. after the alleged sale, according to reports. He was found hiding in the bathroom.
Tuttle remains in custody in the Freeborn County jail on a conditional bail of $75,000, according to online court records.
The date of his trial has not yet been determined.
A charge of first-degree methamphetamine sales carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
