Mario Randell Peterson

In February 2026, the Rochester Police Department initiated an investigation into MARIO RANDELL PETERSON [DOB REDACTED] regarding the possession and distribution of controlled substances. Detectives with the narcotics unit coordinated a controlled purchase of drugs from Peterson that took place on February 19. On that day, a confidential reliable informant contacted Peterson, who agreed to sell the CRI approximately one ounce of methamphetamine. The CRI met with Detective McSweeny, who provided him with controlled purchase funds.

The CRI then met with Peterson in Rochester, Olmsted County, MN. The CRI gave Peterson the money and Peterson gave the CRI methamphetamine. The CRI met with Det. McSweeny and turned the methamphetamine over to him. The substance tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine and weighed 29 grams, including packaging. Detectives subsequently obtained a warrant for Peterson's residence in NW Rochester, MN. On February 25, detectives executed the search warrant. Peterson was present at the time and placed under arrest based on probable cause for the prior controlled purchase.

During a search incident to arrest, Det. Herman located four plastic bags of suspected controlled substances, two cell phones, and $210 of US currency on his person. Detectives entered Peterson's residence and found numerous items related to controlled substance packaging inside Peterson's bedroom. The suspected controlled substances were transported to the law enforcement center for processing. In total, Peterson possessed 13.2 grams of presumptively positive fentanyl and 36.5 grams of presumptively positive methamphetamine on his person on February 25. Based upon the prior controlled purchase and the large quantity of drugs in his possession, detectives determined that Peterson possessed these substances with the intent to sell them.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: YOU MUST APPEAR FOR EVERY COURT HEARING REGARDING THIS CASE. FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR COURT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE AND MAY RESULT IN ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL CHARGES BEING IMPOSED AND PUNISHED AS PROVIDED IN MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 609.49.