A 43-year old Merrill man faces an array of drug-related charges following a search warrant executed Wednesday, Sept. 9 at his residence in the 1000 block of 6th Street in Merrill.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, a search warrant served at the residence of 43-year old Matthew A. Kerola yielded a quantity of methampetamine, and items of drug paraphernalia.
As a result of the warrant, several small plastic bags were located inside the residence containing a substance which later tested positive for Methamphetamine. A syringe was also located inside the residence containing a clear substance, which also tested positive for methemphetamine. In addition, empty plastic bags commonly used to package methamphetamine were located as well as two rifles, and $2,800 in cash according to the criminal complaint.
Kerola’s residence was also noted to exist 147 feet from a public park.
Kerola reportedly advised investigators the money was from a 401K account and also advised he is not a “major drug dealer” but people come to his house to sell him drugs.
Kerola appeared in Lincoln County Circuit Court on Thursday, September 10; facing felony charges of possession of amphetamine with intent to distribute near a park; maintaining a drug trafficking place; bail jumping and a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Kerola was released on $10,000 signature bond. He is due back in court on Thursday, Sept. 24 for a scheduling conference.