In November of 2025, the Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force (MRVDTF) investigated HERBERT LESLIE RETTIG III ([DOB redacted]) for distributing large amounts of methamphetamine throughout Minnesota. On November 24, 2025, MRVDTF agents conducted surveillance and observed a drug transaction between Rettig and another suspect at a residence in St. Peter, Minnesota. This transaction was consistent with information obtained from a confidential informant that Rettig would transport a shipment of methamphetamine to the other suspect two or three times a week.
Rettig's vehicle was stopped by the Nicollet County Sheriff's Office near US Highway 169 for multiple traffic violations. Rettig consented to a search of his vehicle, and officers located $1,300 in cash along with a ledger containing drug notes. These items were seized consistent with the narcotics investigation. MRVDTF subsequently executed a search warrant on the other suspect’s residence located in Kasota, Minnesota. In part, 101.6 grams of alleged methamphetamine was seized. While interviewing witnesses at the Kasota residence, Officers confirmed that Rettig was the likely supplier of methamphetamine for the other suspect.
MRVDTF agents also obtained a search warrant for Rettig's confirmed residence in Chaska, Carver County, Minnesota. MRVDTF agents, along with Chaska Police officers executed the search warrant for Rettig’s Chaska residence. The following items were seized from the northeast bedroom with most items in plain view: 1) Eighteen glass jars containing suspected THC wax and weighing 2146.9 grams. 2) Multiple bags containing alleged marijuana and weighing 4,193.7 grams. 3) Another set of multiple bags containing alleged marijuana and weighing 4,547.8 grams 4) Digital scale and food saver sealer The following items were seized from Rettig's bedroom in the northwest corner of the residence: 1) A brown zippered bag containing increments of $1,000.00 or $5,000.00 bound with rubber bands and totaling $42, 885.00. Agents recovered numerous bags of marijuana and narcotics paraphernalia from the living room and kitchen at the Chaska residence.
Purported drug notes were found on the center island in the kitchen. Near the service door leading to the garage, agents located a backpack containing white powder that field tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed 345.1 grams. In the hall closet on the main floor, agents seized three large cases of Boutique Switch THC cartridges. These cartridges contained approximately 390 grams of THC and at a higher concentration that allowed by state law. The alleged controlled substances will be transported to a certified laboratory for determinative chemical testing.
There may be further developments in this investigation as well. The State reserves the right to amend this complaint as may be allowed by the Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49., intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
