CRIME & LAW

Two Rochester Men Plead Guilty In Meth Cases

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Rochester, Minn. — Thirty-year-old David Jeremy Atchison pleaded guilty this week in Olmsted County to first-degree drug possession after Rochester police, acting on information from the La Crosse Police Department, arrested him on February 10 when officers located a stolen SUV near the Med City Hotel on 16th Avenue Northwest; officials report more than a half‑pound of meth was involved. In a separate case this week, Joseph Robert Augedahl, 47, admitted to first-degree sale of methamphetamine for transactions to a confidential police informant in June and July 2025 totaling 60.5 grams; Augedahl was sentenced to five years of supervised probation, while Atchison’s plea agreement resulted in the dismissal of two additional felony charges under prosecutors’ terms.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

June–July 2025: Alleged sales by Joseph Robert Augedahl to a confidential informant totaling 60.5 grams.
2025 (post-sales): Augedahl pleaded guilty to first-degree sale and was sentenced to five years supervised probation.
February 10 (reported): Rochester police, alerted by La Crosse PD, located a stolen SUV and arrested David Jeremy Atchison.
Following the arrest: Atchison entered a plea in Olmsted County admitting to first-degree drug possession.
After pleadings: Prosecutors dismissed two additional felony charges against Atchison under the plea agreement.

Why This Matters to You

Meth cases in Rochester affect community safety. This week, two local men pleaded guilty to serious drug charges. It's a reminder to stay vigilant. If you see suspicious activity, report it to local law enforcement.

The Bottom Line

Drug crime is a shared problem. These guilty pleas show that law enforcement is actively working to keep our streets safer. Worth forwarding if you know someone who values community safety.