A Texas man who was allegedly in possession of more than 270 grams of methamphetamine Tuesday in Albert Lea was charged with a felony Wednesday in Freeborn County District Court.

Sergio Mendez, 27, is charged with first-degree meth possession.

Court documents state Mendez was charged after an officer was dispatched to Motel 6 on reports of a possible stolen vehicle. The vehicle Mendez was found with reportedly matched to the stolen vehicle.

Mendez allegedly said the vehicle was his and he purchased it, but the officer did not receive any indication that the ownership of the vehicle was transferred to Mendez.

Court documents state items were seized, and a search of Mendez reportedly found $3,550 wrapped in plastic and stuffed in his sock.

Prior to Mendez entering Freeborn County jail, an opened cigarette pack with a small packing paper was allegedly found in his possession.

Court documents state several baggies containing 271 grams of meth were found.

District Court Judge Ross Leuning set conditional bail for Mendez at $150,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 20.

Sentencing guidelines state that if Mendez is convicted, he faces a sentence of a minimum of nearly 5 1/2 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.