A Cottage Grove man who police say had almost 85 kilograms of methamphetamine in a trash can in his garage this summer was arraigned Monday in U.S. District Court in St. Paul.

Jonathan Henry Valencour, 44, has been charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm as a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Law enforcement on July 16, 2024, executed a search warrant at Valencour’s house in Cottage Grove and seized 84.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, according to the criminal complaint. That’s equal to about 186 pounds.

“This amount is consistent with distribution and not for personal use,” the complaint states. “In a post-Miranda statement Valencour admitted that he was a ‘runner,’ and that the drugs had been dropped off at his residence about a week ago.”

Officers also seized a firearm with an attached silencer. Because Valencour has prior felony convictions in Hennepin and Washington counties, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty on Monday ordered Valencour to remain in custody pending further proceedings. Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Cottage Grove Police Department investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst is prosecuting the case.

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