NEW ULM — A Brown County District Court jury found a 41-year-old rural Winthrop man guilty of five felony drug sale/possession counts Dec. 15.

James Matthew Pautz of Winthrop was found guilty of first-degree drug sale-17 grams or more methamphetamine, second-degree drug sale 10 grams or more of a mixture containing a narcotic drug other than heroin, third-degree narcotic sale, third-degree possession of 10 grams or more of a narcotic; and fifth-degree drug possession – not small amount marijuana, according to an amended complaint. An in-person sentencing hearing was set for 9:15 a.m., Monday, Jan. 29.

According to court documents, Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force (MRVDTF) agents conducted a controlled purchase with a CRI (confidential reliable informant) in New Ulm May 26, 2021. The CRI purchased 7 grams of alleged methamphetamine for $200 from Pautz while seated in his vehicle.

The CRI reported Pautz provided him more than the requested 7 grams of meth, and said the CRI owes him an additional $150. The substance later field tested positive for methamphetamine, weighed 16.3 grams on a non-certified scale, and was placed into evidence.

The CRI said during the controlled purchase, Pautz was seen removing the meth from a significantly larger bag of meth, while weighing it. The CRI said Pautz was often in possession of a large amount of meth and does sales transactions at his known residence from a large outbuilding and from his vehicles.

Pautz was taken into custody at a Winthrop business on June 2, 2021 by MRVDTF agents with assistance from the Sibley County Sheriff’s Office. At the arrest, Pautz was in possession of meth on his person and in his vehicle that weighed 8.9 grams on a non-certified scale. Agents also found $1,650 in U.S. currency near the meth found in the vehicle.

A search warrant was executed at Pautz’ rural Winthrop residence. Agents found a package of new, gem style baggies used to package controlled substances in Pautz’ bedroom. Agents found 2.1 grams of meth in a coat pocket and a scale in the residence.

Test results from the Minnesota BCA (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension) on the substance collected May 26, 2021 indicated 13.842 grams of meth. Tests by the BCA on substances collected June 2, 2021 indicated 10.025 grams of meth.

Pautz was convicted of a second-degree controlled substance crime Sept. 25, 2014 in Sibley County Court. He was committed to the Minnesota Commissioner of Corrections for 58 months June 1, 2017.