Excelsior Man Charged with Felony Cocaine Possession

An Excelsior man has been charged with felony drug possession after police say they found traces of cocaine on a $5 bill in his possession when he was stopped for a traffic violation.

Matthew James Preston, 30, is charged with fifth-degree drug possession, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, signed by South Lake Minnetonka Police Sgt. Stephen Neururer, an officer stopped Preston’s car just after 1:30 a.m. Sept. 15 in the area of Hwy. 7 and Christmas Lake Road in Shorewood.

The officer was familiar with Preston and knew that he was on probation and was prohibited from drinking alcohol, the complaint says.

Preston, who smelled strongly of alcohol and whose eyes were red and glassy, admitted to the officer that he’d had four drinks, according to the complaint.

Preston was arrested for violating terms of his probation. When he was searched, the officer found a $5 bill containing a powdery residue that tested positive for cocaine, the complaint says.

Preston remains in the Hennepin County Jail on a $3,000 bond. He is also being held on felony warrants from Hopkins charging him with domestic assault and from Excelsior charging him with DWI.

Preston is scheduled to make a first appearance on the latest charge Sept. 26 in Hennepin County District Court.