CRIME & LAW

Two Rochester Men Plead Guilty In Meth Cases

PUBLISHED Jul 8, 2026, 11:25 PM ET

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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.

By Adyan K. | JQJO News

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.

News Intelligence

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.

Media Bias

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Who Benefited

Law enforcement agencies benefited from interagency cooperation, resulting in arrests, guilty pleas, and negotiated case resolutions that reduced trial burdens and produced convictions.

Who Impacted

The defendants faced legal consequences including guilty pleas and supervised probation; local communities also continue to suffer harms associated with methamphetamine distribution and use.