(ABC 6 News) – An Austin man accused of selling methamphetamine near Pacelli Schools faces a possible aggravated sentence in Mower County Court.

Patrick John Dion made his initial appearance on 1st-degree drug sale and possession charges Thursday, Feb. 1.

According to court documents, his prosecution moved on Jan. 29 to seek an aggravated sentence, citing two previous 3rd-degree assault convictions dating back to 2003 and 2017.

Dion’s 1st-degree drug sales charge already carries a minimum sentence of no less than 86 months, but no more than 40 years in prison, or a $1,000,000 fine, according to court documents.

Dion is scheduled to appear for another hearing on multiple drug charges, including the early January arrest, on March 28.

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(ABC 6 News) – According to Capt. Todd Clennon with Austin police, officers took Patrick John Dion into custody Thursday, Jan. 18, on suspicion of selling methamphetamine near Pacelli Schools.

Clennon said the SE MN Violent Crimes Enforcement Team, APD, and the Mower County Sheriff’s Office searched 511 4th Street NW, Austin following a “long investigation” into methamphetamine trafficking.

The location is within the Pacelli School zone, Clennon noted.

Police claim that around 2.5 pounds of meth were located, along with drug paraphernalia, and Dion was arrested and taken to the Mower County Jail.

Dion was charged Friday, Jan. 19, with one charge of aggravated 1st-degree drug sales–which carries a minimum sentence of no less than 86 months, but no more than 40 years in prison, or a $1,000,000 fine, according to court documents.

He was also charged with 1st-degree drug possession.

According to court documents, Dion met police at the law enforcement center, allegedly to return his property to him, and placed him under arrest.

Dion denied having any drugs at his residence, according to court documents, and went with investigators to his home to secure his dog while investigators searched his home.

According to court documents, police noted a large bag of methamphetamine on the bathroom counter, and asked Dion how much meth was in his bathroom.

When Dion allegedly answered that it was three pounds, he was taken to the Mower County Jail.

Court documents claim law enforcement also found drug ledgers listing names and amounts of money paid or owed.

Dion was out on bail for a pending charge of 1st-degree drug sale in a school zone, Clennon said.

According to court documents, Dion was first charged with the crime in August of 2023, after a confidential reliable informant (CRI) allegedly purchased drugs from Dion while wearing monitoring equipment.

He is scheduled to appear again on the latest charges Feb. 1.