For the Tomahawk Leader
MERRILL – A Merrill man faces an array of drug-related charges following a search warrant executed Wednesday, Sept. 9 at his residence in the 1000 block of 6th Street in Merrill.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, a search warrant served at the residence of Matthew A. Kerola, 43, yielded a quantity of methamphetamine, as well as firearms.
As a result of the warrant, several small plastic bags were located inside the residence containing a substance which later tested positive for methamphetamine. A syringe was also located inside the residence containing a clear fluid which also tested positive for methamphetamine.
In addition, empty plastic bags commonly used to package methamphetamine were located, as well as two rifles and $2,800 in cash, according to the criminal complaint.
Kerola’s residence was also noted to exist 147 feet from a public park.
Kerola reportedly advised investigators the money was from a 401K account and also advised he is not a “major drug dealer,” but people come to his house to sell him drugs.
Kerola appeared in Lincoln County Circuit Court on Thursday, Sept. 10, facing felony charges of possession of amphetamine with intent to distribute near a park, maintaining a drug trafficking place, bail jumping, and a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Kerola was released on $10,000 signature bond. He is due back in court on Thursday, Sept. 24 for a scheduling conference.