Mankato Man Charged with Drug Possession in School Zone, Theft from Local Stores
A Mankato man is facing felony drug charges and a misdemeanor theft charge after police say he was caught with methamphetamine near a school and attempted to shoplift from two local businesses. According to a criminal complaint filed in Blue Earth County District Court, 66-year-old James Lawrence McNamee Jr. is charged with third-degree drug possession in a school zone and misdemeanor theft.
On June 27, 2025, officers from the Mankato Department of Public Safety responded to a convenience store located across from a school after employees reported McNamee had attempted to steal items. During the investigation, officers discovered he had also taken salami and two energy drinks from a nearby grocery store.
Upon locating McNamee, officers found a metal spoon and a glass pipe containing what appeared to be methamphetamine. Because the incident occurred within a designated school zone, McNamee faces enhanced penalties for the drug possession charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
