Meth suspect pleads not guilty

Published 8:58 am Friday, November 18, 2011

An Austin man who allegedly possessed the items needed to make methamphetamine, including drain cleaner and empty pseudoephedrine packaging, pleaded not guilty Thursday in Mower County District Court.

Graham

Anthony Barrett Graham, 27, entered the not guilty plea to one count of first-degree drug crime for manufacturing methamphetamine. Graham also requested a speedy trial.

According to a court complaint, police went to the 600 block of 10th Ave. NW on Friday, Nov. 4, to execute a search warrant. When they searched the house, they found marijuana paraphernalia, coffee filters with meth residue, clear plastic tubing with meth residue, a baggie containing a meth-like substance, Coleman premium fuel blend, household drain cleaner and empty pseudoephedrine packaging, according to court documents.

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A person in the house told police Graham is a “meth addict,” according to the complaint, and that the meth ingredients belonged to him.

When police questioned Graham, he denied using or making meth and said he was storing the ingredients and equipment for a friend. He told police he had purchased supplies for the friend and was going to make a little bit of money for the favor. He would not identify the friend.

According to the court complaint, Graham told officers he takes “full responsibility for everything” found in the house.

Graham is awaiting sentencing on a fifth-degree drug possession charge stemming from July. His jury trial has yet to be scheduled.