Ernest Pitchford, III, 37, of Austin was charged felony third-degree drug possession-sale of a narcotic, felony fourth-degree drug possession with intent to sell and felony fifth-degree drug possession on Tuesday in Mower County District Court.

According to the court report, a narcotics officer with the Austin Police Department spoke with an agent of the Department of Corrections about information that Pitchford was “hiding out” at the Austin residences of Carolyn Michelle Molhusen and Tangelia Patrice Jones, both felony probationers. Pitchford, who has numerous convictions, had arrest warrants.

Officers and agents raided the residences of Molhusen and Jones on Friday. Pitchford was found hiding in the basements at Molhusen’s residence and was arrested. An officer found approximately 8.07 grams of cocaine in his pocket. He was also found to be in possession of 25.8 grams of marijuana.

Pitchford admitted the cocaine was his. Officers later found the cocaine had been divided into 20 bags, ranging in weight from 0.44 to 0.58 grams.

Molhusen was also arrested.

Pitchford’s initial appearance is scheduled for Oct. 16.