Drugs with an estimated street value of $6,000 and a reputed drug dealer were arrested early today.

Friday, November 19, 1999

Drugs with an estimated street value of $6,000 and a reputed drug dealer were arrested early today.

Michael Lee Barlow, 28, Riverdale, Ill., and Sherry Alberta Huff, 43, also of Riverdale, were arrested at 1:20 a.m. today at their room at the AmericInn Motel and Suites, 1700 8th St. NW.

The Austin Police Department and officers of the Southeast Minnesota Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant on the couple’s room to make the arrests.

Austin Police Chief Paul M. Philipp said the arrests were the result of an on-going investigation initiated by local police.

Barlow told officers he visited Austin frequently to make drug transactions, according to the report.

Three ounces of crack cocaine were discovered in the couple’s room and an ounce of cocaine was discovered in a vehicle.

Philipp said AmericInn staff were "very cooperative" with officers who made the arrest. He also said AmericInn had "absolutely nothing" to do with the arrests.

Acting on a tip that Barlow was expected in Austin Thursday evening, officers obtained their search warrant. When he didn’t show at the time he was expected early in the evening, officers momentarily gave up.

However, the couple arrived after midnight and the officers went into action.

When taken into custody in the motel room, the pair claimed they came to Austin in the early morning hours to "celebrate an anniversary" and a dozen red roses were present in the room, according to an eyewitness.

Barlow said the drugs seized by officers were for his personal use as well as sale, according to the report.

Also seized was $2,000 in cash in the vehicle driven to Austin and a .380 semi-automatic handgun.

Barlow told officers he purchased the gun in Austin from a man he identified as "Don" and carried it for his protection.

The couple was alone in the motel room when they were arrested and remain in jail pending a court appearance possibly Monday.