Monticello man charged with drug possession and child endangerment

By TIM HARLOW, Star Tribune

Last update: February 26, 2008 - 1:21 PM

A Monticello man was charged with two counts of drug possession and one count of storing drug paraphernalia in the presence of children after authorities found illegal substances inside his home and a business that he runs, according to a criminal complaint filed Monday in Wright County Court.

Agents from the Wright County Drug Task Force executed simultaneous search warrants Thursday at In Range, an indoor firing range and gun shop the suspect Shea Pedersen runs in Monticello, and at his house in nearby Monticello Township. The warrants were executed as a result of an investigation into illegal drug activity, Wright County Sheriff Gary Miller said.

At In Range, authorities seized about 43 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 327 grams of suspected hallucinogenic mushrooms, a digital scale and other drug paraphernalia. Authorities also removed 108 guns from the shop at 210 Dundas Road, the complaint said.

Authorities called the Minneapolis Bomb Squad to destroy explosives found at Pedersen's home. Sheriff's deputies also confiscated a small amount of suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and three fire arms, Miller said.

Three children, ages 3, 4 and 6, were removed from the home on the 8900 block of Acacia Avenue and placed with Wright County Human Services. Pedersen's wife, Jessica Pedersen, was arrested and was charged with negligent storage of a firearm, a criminal complaint said.

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