Police Find Meth and Handgun at Recording Studio

A Minnetonka man has been charged with felony drug possession after police say they confiscated almost 6 ounces of methamphetamine from a Minneapolis recording studio that he was leasing.

Wedell Jerome Mickens, 34, is charged with first-degree drug possession, which carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $1 million fine, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, which has a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.

Mickens remains in the Hennepin County Jail on a $125,000 bond. An omnibus hearing in his case is scheduled June 22 in Hennepin County District Court.

According to the criminal complaint, signed by Hennepin County Sheriff’s Deputy Patrick Chelmo, authorities executed a search warrant at the leased recording studio on June 13.

During their search, officers found a W-2 form with Mickens’ name on it, along with miscellaneous court paperwork in his name.

Behind a mirror, officers found a loaded Glock 9-millimeter handgun, which they later determined was stolen, and three bags of methamphetamine, according to the complaint.

Following his arrest, Mickens admitted to investigators that he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms and that the gun and the drugs belonged to him, the complaint says.

The methamphetamine totaled 167.29 grams, or 5.9 ounces.

Mickens’ criminal record includes felony convictions for drug possession in 2004 and 2007.