In October 2025, the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office initiated an investigation into MARK DARREL STEFFES [DOB REDACTED] regarding his involvement in the possession and distribution of controlled substances. As part of that investigation, Investigator Rasinski spoke to a confidential information who stated that Steffes sources methamphetamine from Chicago, Illinois and sells bulk amounts in Minnesota. Inv. Rasinski began tracking electronic cash transactions, movement of Steffes' vehicles/phone, and phone contacts.
He observed numerous connections between Steffes, Mexico, and Chicago. Inv. Rasinski knows both of these locations to be common sources for controlled substances. On December 17, 2025, Inv. Rasinski observed Steffes began traveling from his residence in Brooklyn Center, MN to Olmsted County. At approximately 10:00 AM, investigators located his vehicle (MN ZFZ201) and began to monitor Steffes' actions. Investigators saw Steffes drive to an apartment complex in NE Rochester, enter the complex for a short period of time, then leave the premises.
Based on Steffes' direction of travel, it appeared that he was then driving back towards the Twin Cities metro area. Inv. Rasinski noted that driving a relatively long distance to Olmsted County for such a short interaction at an apartment complex is indicative of a controlled substance transaction. While Steffes was driving northbound on Highway 52 in Olmsted County, a traffic stop was initiated by Corporal Schmidt. Steffes informed Corporal Schmidt that he was in Rochester for a medical procedure, which law enforcement collectively knew was not true.
This furthered the suspicion that Steffes was in Olmsted County to engage in criminal activity. Based on the totality of Inv. Rasinski's controlled substance investigation and the suspected controlled substance transaction that had just occurred, a K9 sniff was performed around Steffes' vehicle. The K9 positively indicated for the presence of narcotics in Steffes' vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search of Steffes' vehicle, law enforcement located the following: A locked safe inside of a backpack in the trunk A digital scale that tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine 29.6 grams of presumptively positive methamphetamine on the front passenger seat 1.3 grams of presumptively positive methamphetamine in a red vial on the front passenger seat 3 ••-CR-••-•••• Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 12/19/2025 Two metal spoons $734 of US currency in two zipper style bags on the front passenger seat 1071.3 grams of presumptively positive methamphetamine in brick form 393.6 grams of presumptively positive methamphetamine in a bag, also largely in brick form Inv.
Rasinski made several observations that made it apparent that Steffes possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to sell it. First, the volume of methamphetamine alone is far in excess of what a typical user would consume. Users typically consume less than a gram at a time, and Steffes was in possession of over 1,495.8 grams (over 3 pounds) of methamphetamine. Second, the presence of a scale and money indicates Steffes was prepared to sell or purchase methamphetamine, and then weigh the controlled substances for additional sales.
