A Texas man who allegedly possessed more than 270 grams of methamphetamine last month pleaded not guilty Thursday 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 in April to Motel 6 on reports of a possible stolen vehicle. The vehicle Mendez was found with reportedly matched the stolen vehicle.

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. 

An omnibus hearing for Mendez is scheduled for May 30.

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