Cocaine, Cash and Gun: Search Warrant Leads to Major Bust in Southeast Minnesota

Winona, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Winona woman with a criminal history is facing charges connected to a recent cocaine and firearm bust. 

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A criminal complaint filed in Winona County Court says law enforcement executed search warrants for the woman’s vehicle, residence and person on Dec. 15. Winona Police stopped the woman after she was seen leaving her apartment in a vehicle moments before the search warrant service. 

While stopped by police the woman, identified as 49-year-old Tanya Sherrice McCain, told the officer she had a revolver inside of her apartment. Police found the gun and also located a large bag near the firearm containing 619.31 grams of suspected cocaine that was spread out in five smaller bags inside of the large bag, according to the complaint. 

Police also seized two digital scales, a money counting machine, plastic packaging commonly used for drugs and $8,000 in cash, the court document says. A search of McCain’s person led to the discovery of an additional 13.09 grams of suspected cocaine that was spread out in 13 different ziplock baggies.

McCain was arrested and asked police if she could take her purse to jail. Officers found a little over $1,000 in additional cash inside of her purse, the charges say. 

McCain was arraigned in Winona County Court Monday on a felony count of felon in possession of a firearm and a felony count of a first-degree controlled substance crime possession of cocaine with a firearm. 

Court records indicate McCain was convicted of two third-degree drug crimes in Steele County in 2005. 

McCain posted the non cash bond required to meet her conditional bail amount of $50,000 on Tuesday and is due back in court later this month. 

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