A Lake Mills, Iowa, man arrested Monday in Rochester has been charged with felony counts of promoting prostitution and fifth-degree drug possession.
Michael Alan Gardner, 40, was arrested after an undercover Rochester Police Department officer responded to an online ad for an escort. The officer arranged a meeting at a hotel, where Gardner dropped off a 22-year-old woman.
Gardner was arrested outside the hotel when investigators determined a phone in his possession had been used to communicate with an undercover officer and had negotiated for sex.
Gardner was also found to be in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine.
The promotion of prostitution of an individual felony charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $40,000 fine, or both. The drug possession charge, also a felony, carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
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Gardner appeared in Olmsted County District Court on Tuesday. His bond was set at $50,000 with conditions or $100,000 without conditions. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 8.
