NEW ULM — A 39-year-old rural Winthrop man faces felony second and third-degree drug sale charges after a Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force (MRVDTF) sting operation was conducted in New Ulm on May 26.

Charges were filed Wednesday in Brown County District Court. A court appearance for James M. Pautz, 29315 591st Ave., Winthrop, was set for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 21.

According to court documents, the task force conducted a controlled purchase with a confidential informant who bought 7 grams of what appeared to be methamphetamine from Pautz in New Ulm for $200, while seated in Pautz’ vehicle.

The informant said Pautz sold him more than 7 grams and told the informant they owed him an additional $150. The substance later tested positive for methamphetamine, weighed 16.3 grams on a non-certified scale and was placed into evidence.

The informant said during the controlled buy they saw Pautz remove the meth from a significantly larger bag of meth and that Pautz is often in possession of a large amount of meth and does sale transactions at his known residence including a shop and from his vehicle.