Waterloo man pleads not guilty to Mason City meth dealing charge

MASON CITY — A Waterloo man arrested in Mason City last month on methamphetamine delivery charges has pleaded not guilty.

At about 1:10 AM on the morning of August 24th, a state trooper pulled over 60-year-old Gary Winters for a traffic violation near the intersection of 9th and North Washington. A criminal complaint states the officer detected a marijuana odor coming from the vehicle, and after searching Winters allegedly found a marijuana baggie in his shirt pocket.

The complaint says Winters then attempted to conceal a baggie of meth during the search, with it being located inside his shirt. A further search of the vehicle allegedly yielded about a half pound of meth, a scale, and baggies used for packaging narcotics. The trooper says Winters admitted that he was out delivering meth and admitted to all the illegal items being his.

Winters was charged with a Class B-level controlled substance violation which would carry a 25-year prison term, as well as possession of marijuana first offense.

Winters was due in court for his arraignment hearing today, but court records show he filed a written plea of not guilty. A trial date was not immediately set.