Woman faces meth charges

Published 10:18 am Thursday, June 30, 2016

A second person is facing charges for methamphetamine possession tied to a search of an Alden residence last week.

Jocelyn Leslie Pater, 19, was charged Wednesday in Freeborn County District Court with first- and fifth-degree meth possession, fifth-degree oxycodone possession and fifth-degree lorazepam possession.

Court documents state Minnesota Department of Corrections agents and a Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted a home visit of David Neely June 23 in Alden at a residence he shared with Pater.

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Neely has also been charged with first- and fifth-degree meth possession, fifth-degree oxycodone possession and fifth-degree lorazepam possession.

Empty beer bottles and a clear glass pipe that later tested positive for methamphetamine were reportedly seen. An agent reportedly found a homemade smoking device under a bathroom sink that contained fluid that later measured as 8.7 ounces of water — approximately 246 grams — and tested positive for meth.

Pill bottles found to contain lorazepam and oxycodone were also reportedly found. Three baggies reportedly found with methamphetamine weighed 3.06 grams. A baggie found in a bottle reportedly weighed 2.6 grams. The others reportedly weighed .06 grams and .4 grams.

A small torch and a lighter commonly used to smoke meth were found at the residence, court documents state.

As the search went on, Pater and Neely — who were reportedly in a relationship — argued about who should take responsibility for the items, court documents state.

Pater’s first appearance on the charges is July 14. Neely’s next appearance is scheduled for July 7. Neely has a probation violation hearing July 5.

First-degree meth possession carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

About Sam Wilmes

Sam Wilmes covers crime, courts and government for the Albert Lea Tribune.

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