$150K in cash, 6+ pounds of meth, weapons seized in Winona

An arrest on Thursday in Winona leads authorities to a cache of drugs, money, and weapons.

A news release from the Winona County Sheriff’s Office and criminal complaint outline what they found after arresting Justin John Dionysius, 38, late Thursday morning.

It was the culmination of an investigation into drug activity at a residence at 661 E. 2nd St.

Deputies, Winona Police, and members of the Southeastern Violent Crimes Task Force searched the property after Dionysius was arrested during a traffic stop.

He had been living in a camper at the address after a fire damaged the home there.

When authorities searched the camper, they found 6.68 pounds of methamphetamine along with other drugs including cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin.

Drug packaging equipment such as baggies and scales were seized as evidence.

They also found cash stashed around the camper. In total, authorities found $148, 286 in currency and more than $6,000 in gold bars. Collectable coins and Rolex watches are part of what they discovered.

The criminal complaint stated they found ten handguns and ammunition scattered throughout the camper. When recovered, authorities found most of the handguns were loaded.

Dionysius had methamphetamine, brass knuckles, and a switchblade on him at the time of his arrest.

The criminal complaint lists four drug related charges against Dionysius, a weapons charge, and a charge for having a firearm or ammunition after a conviction for a crime of violence.

He appeared in Winona County Court for a bond hearing on Friday morning.

Judge Nancy Buytendorp set bond at $300,000 without conditions or $75,000 with conditions.

Dionysius returns to court on May 14.