Rey David Zavaleta-Lopez, 53, of Austin was charged on Thursday in Mower County District Court with felony first-degree drugs-sale of 17 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to the court complaint, an agent with the Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force (MRVDTF) spoke with a confidential informant (CI) on Nov. 5 about purchasing methamphetamine from Zavaleta-Lopez. The CI said the transaction would occur at a business in the 3400 block of West Oakland Avenue.

On Nov. 6, special agents from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the MRVDTF set up surveillance on the business, where Zavaleta-Lopez was seen working. The CI and his vehicle were searched and he was provided with buy money and an audio transmitter and was monitored as he went to meet Zavaleta-Lopez. Agents observed Zavaleta-Lopez sitting in a vehicle then get into the CI vehicle when he arrived. Zavaleta-Lopez made the sale and got out of the CI’s vehicle.

The CI drove away and met with law enforcement at a predetermined location, where he surrendered 27.59 grams of methamphetamine. The CI confirmed Zavaleta-Lopez sold him the methamphetamine for $800.

Zavaleta-Lopez will appear in court again on Feb. 7.