An Austin man currently serving an 88-month prison sentence for an aggravated robbery conviction out of Freeborn County made his first appearance on new charges on Thursday in Mower County District Court.

Joshua James Allen, 32, was charged with felony first-degree drugs-sale of 17 grams or more of methamphetamine, felony violent felon in possession of firearm ammunition, felony violent felon in possession of a stun gun and gross misdemeanor counterfeit currency-utter or possess. He pled not guilty to all charges.

According to the court complaint, narcotics detectives met with a confidential informant (CI) on May 18, 2018, about purchasing methamphetamine from Allen. The CI was searched, given buy money and an audio transmitter, and monitored by police as he met with Allen at a location in Austin. The CI met with police at a predetermined location and surrendered 28.066 grams of methamphetamine. He also confirmed Allen sold him the drugs.

On June 18, 2018, while Allen was in the Mower County Jail on other charges, police executed a search warrant on his residence in the 2000 block of Third Avenue Northeast. They made contact with a man who said he was watching the residence for Allen. He told police he was not aware of any contraband inside the residence.

Police searched the residence and seized the following:

• A “stun gun” located in the main floor bedroom;
• A round of .45 caliber ammunition in the main floor bedroom;
• A round of .22 caliber ammunition in the main floor bedroom;
• Approximately one gram of marijuana in the main floor bedroom;
• Various methamphetamine and marijuana paraphernalia throughout the house;
• A counterfeit $100 bill and counterfeit $50 bill in the living room;
• Ledger notes regarding drug transactions in the living room;
• A pistol holster in the living room;
• .45 caliber and .22 caliber gun cleaners in the main floor bedroom; and
• An inoperable mortar round in the main floor bedroom.

A detective spoke to Allen at the Mower County Jail. Allen said he was aware of the ammunition, but seemed surprised that no firearms were located. He also said there should have been more ammunition located inside the residence.

A review of Allen’s criminal history shows prior convictions for aggravated robbery, third-degree assault-substantial bodily harm, domestic assault, violating a no contact order, stalking, disorderly conduct, obstructing the legal process, fleeing a peace officer and damage to property. He is currently awaiting disposition on charges of felony fifth-degree drug possession, gross misdemeanor third-degree DWI-under the influence of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possess over 1.4 grams of marijuana in a motor vehicle and petty misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

A pre-trial has been scheduled for Sept. 27.