Eight of the 10 charged in connection with a reverse sting operation July 25-26 pleaded not guilty to drug crimes in Mower County District Court Thursday.

According to authorities, the 10 purchased various quantities of cocaine and marijuana from a confidential police informant working with law enforcement from multiple jurisdictions, including the Austin Police Department, Mower County Sheriff’s Office, Southeast Minnesota Narcotics and Gang Task Force and South Central Task Force.

Jon Glenn Luna, 39, of Austin, pleaded not guilty to a single count of fifth-degree controlled substance crime for allegedly buying marijuana from the informant. He was the first arrested July 25, around 12:15 p.m., near the former Steer truck stop on Oakland Avenue. He is scheduled to appear in court for pretrial Oct. 10.

John Michael Howe, 41, of Austin, is set to appear Oct. 17 after pleading not guilty to first-degree drug possession. He allegedly agreed to the take of 1 ounce of cocaine to excuse a debt the informant owed him. Authorities arrested him at the south Hardees parking lot on 12th Avenue Northwest at 5:30 p.m. July 25.

Howe owns a self-named bail bonds and advertising company in downtown Austin.

Steven Michael Dittrich, 49, of Owatonna, pleaded not guilty to a single count of first-degree drug possession. He was arrested at 1:14 p.m. July 25 at the Kmart parking lot for allegedly purchasing two ounces of cocaine. He is scheduled to appear Oct. 10 for pretrial.

Cesar Alejandro Zuno, 24, and Rafael Gonzalez Montesinos, 23, both of Albert Lea, pleaded not guilty to one count of first-degree drug possession for allegedly buying two ounces of cocaine from the informant in the Aldi’s grocery store parking lot near Target at 1:50 p.m. July 25. Pretrial was set for Oct. 10 for both men.

Matthew Michael Jenson, 23, and Philippe Eke Okorie, 21, pleaded not guilty to single counts of first-degree and fifth-degree drug possession. The two Austin residents allegedly sought a cocaine and marijuana from the informant before their arrest at the Kmart parking lot at 7:11 p.m. July 25. They also are set to appear Oct. 10.

William Alvarez, 34, of Austin, will also appear for pretrial Oct. 10, following a not guilty plea to a third-degree drug charge. He was the only arrested July 26; he allegedly tried to purchase drugs from the informant at the Apollo Superette on Oakland Avenue West around 6:18 p.m.

Alvarez awaits sentencing Sept. 19 on a second set of drug charges.

Only Juan Gerardo Monroy, 41, and Paul Anderson Cerny, 40, both of Austin, have yet to enter pleas. Monroy has been charged with first-degree drug possession and aggravated forgery following his arrest in the Hardees parking lot at 3 p.m. July 25. He also has a second criminal file stemming from a drug charge in March. His hearing was continued to Aug. 14.

Cerny faces a second-degree drug charge for allegedly seeking 0.5 ounces of cocaine. He was arrested at 6:16 p.m. July 25 at the Hardees parking lot as well. His first court date is scheduled for Aug. 28.