Rochester Meth Bust Sends Repeat Offender Back to Jail

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man who was previously sent to prison for a conviction stemming from a drug dealing investigation is back in jail and facing charges connected to the seizure of a significant amount of methamphetamine last week.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County court, 40-year-old Bradley James Richards was driving a vehicle that was stopped by a Rochester police officer for traffic violations on the afternoon of January 7. The court document indicates the officer observed signs of impairment and was preparing to administer field sobriety tests when Richards allegedly directed an obscenity at the officer and drove away.

Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest

The criminal complaint says the officer did not pursue the vehicle. About seven hours later, Richards was observed entering a hotel in northwest Rochester. Detectives located him inside the building and took him into custody.

Methamphetamine Seized

The charges state Richards was in possession of multiple bags, and a search led to the discovery of six baggies weighing nearly 70 grams. The court document says the contents of the baggies field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Richards was also found to be in possession of a pair of brass knuckles.

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Richards is charged with first-degree drug possession, felony fleeing police in a motor vehicle, and a misdemeanor count of possession of a dangerous weapon. His bail is set at $200,000.

Prior Drug Convictions

His criminal record includes a second-degree drug conviction in 2021 that resulted in a 95 month prison sentence. It also lists several other felony drug convictions, including one for first-degree drug sales in 2008.

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