Two Charged After Undercover Meth Bust

Police charged two Inver Grove Heights men last week after executing an undercover methamphetamine bust and a follow-up search warrant.

Daniel Gene Riley, 30, was charged with felony first-degree and fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance and Michael Thomas Cantrell, 31, was charged with felony fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance, according to criminal complaints issued by the Dakota County Attorney's office.

Police say that information from a confidential informant led them to Riley, who allegedly agreed earlier this month to sell one ounce of methamphetamine to an undercover officer for $2,000. On Dec. 16, Riley met the officer in the parking lot of a local business, police say, and sold the officer nearly 28 grams of meth.

Roughly 90 minutes after Riley was arrested, police executed a search warrant at the residence where Riley lived, according to the complaints. While searching Riley's bedroom, police say they found a glass pipe that contained trace amounts of meth.

In a second bedroom police say belonged to Cantrell, officers uncovered two syringes and a glass pipe that contained trace amounts of methamphetamine.

If convicted on both counts, Riley could face up to 35 years in prison and more than $1 million in fines. If convicted, Cantrell could be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years and $20,000 in fines. Both Riley and Cantrell have previous controlled substance convictions. Riley is currently being held at Dakota County Jail. Cantrell posted a $5,000 bail and was released from custody.

To view the criminal complaints for Riley and Cantrell, click here.