OTTER TAIL COUNTY, Minn. (Valley News Live) – A 55-year-old Perham man made his first court appearance Wednesday on felony drug charges stemming from a multi-agency sting operation that authorities say uncovered a methamphetamine distribution network in Otter Tail County.
Larry Burian McClendon Jr. faces second-degree drug charges for allegedly conspiring to sell 10 grams or more of methamphetamine and fifth-degree possession charges following an August 4 investigation by the West Central Minnesota Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
Larry McClendon(KVLY)
Controlled buy operation
According to court documents filed in Otter Tail County District Court, the task force used a confidential informant to conduct a controlled buy of approximately one-half ounce of methamphetamine for $350 at a residence in New York Mills. The informant reported that McClendon was present during the transaction and appeared to have supplied the drugs to another individual who completed the sale.
The substance purchased during the operation tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed 13.95 grams, according to analysis by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Traffic stop yields evidence
Less than an hour after the controlled buy, an Otter Tail County sheriff’s deputy stopped McClendon’s vehicle on U.S. Highway 10 for traffic violations. During the stop, deputies found $745 in cash on McClendon. Serial numbers from the bills matched the pre-recorded buy money used in the sting operation, court documents state.
A search of the vehicle uncovered multiple bags containing methamphetamine totaling 5.8 grams, along with digital scales and numerous small plastic baggies commonly used for drug distribution, according to the complaint.
McClendon told deputies he had purchased the drugs for himself and a passenger, court documents state.
Potential penalties and criminal history
The second-degree drug charge carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. The fifth-degree possession charge carries up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Court records show McClendon has six prior drug-related convictions dating back to 2014, including controlled substance crimes in Clay, Morrison and Stearns counties. His most recent conviction was in July 2023.
McClendon’s next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
The investigation involved the West Central Minnesota Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office.
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