An Austin man who allegedly possessed methamphetamines and several pieces of drug paraphernalia within a school zone was charged Friday in Mower County Court.

Scott Richard Anderson, 39, was charged with third-degree drug possession — in a school zone, and fifth degree drug possession, both felonies. If convicted, Anderson could face 30 years on prison and a $250,000 fine.

Anderson was arrested after Mower County Sheriff’s deputies, Austin Police and members of the Southeast Minnesota Drug Task Force searched his home just after 7 a.m. Thursday, according to Police Captain Dave McKichan.

McKichan said law enforcement searched Anderson’s home at the 1800 block of E. Oakland Avenue as part of an ongoing investigation. Officers found several small baggies with a substance later identified as meth. All told, just under three grams of meth was found, a glass pipe, several baggies, several capsules, a bag containing unidentified pills, digital scales, empty plastic bags, cotton swabs, a spoon and other paraphernalia, according to the complaint. Anderson allegedly told police the meth was his, and he sold meth to support his own drug habit. Anderson also told authorities he filled the capsules with meth and ingested them, but the unidentified pills were prescribed for tooth pain, the complaint states.

Anderson’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 8.

—Trey Mewes and Amanda Lillie contributed to this report.