Two Faribault residents are facing serious charges following an extensive investigation into methamphetamine sales in the area. According to a release from the Rice County Attorney’s Office, 52-year-old Isabel Marie Gutierrez and 24-year-old Nathan Scott Friske have been charged with first-degree sale and possession of the substance.
The case against Gutierrez and Friske unfolded over approximately two years, spearheaded by the Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force. Previous operations had led to controlled purchases from Friske totaling around 26 grams of methamphetamine. Notably, agents spotted Friske using a vehicle registered to Gutierrez and observed travel to what is believed to be Gutierrez’s residence after transactions were made.
Further incriminating evidence came to light early this month when a cooperating source successfully bought 2 ounces of methamphetamine directly from the duo. On Feb. 14, task force agents executed a search warrant at the shared residence of Friske and Gutierrez. They encountered numerous items indicative of drug distribution, as well as counterfeit currency, titles, and various documents linked to the Department of Vehicle Services and tax bodies.
In the process of the investigation, Gutierrez admitted to agents both the sale and use of methamphetamine within the past week, including to the cooperating source. At her arrest, she was already on conditional release for a 2024 case involving second-degree drug sale and storing methamphetamine in the presence of a child. Furthermore, Gutierrez's record includes several drug-related convictions out of California. Friske, with a history of felony convictions, had been released from prison in January and was under supervised release at the time of this latest offense.
Task Force Commander Scott O’Brien praised his team: "Over the past year, agents have arrested several mid- to upper-level drug dealers in Rice and Le Sueur counties," he said in a statement obtained by Rice County. "Several of those narcotics investigations led back to Gutierrez being involved in the distribution of methamphetamine. I commend the agents for their persistence in this investigation which resulted in the arrest of multiple repeat offenders."
Rice County Attorney Brian Mortenson also acknowledged the task force's efforts, emphasizing that drugs such as methamphetamine "destroy lives and contribute to the public health crisis in our community," and reassured that the county is committed to holding those involved in illegal drug sales accountable.
During the bail hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 18, Judge Karie M. Anderson set bail for Gutierrez at $100,000 with conditions and $200,000 without. Friske's bail was set at $100,000 with conditions and $300,000 without. The upcoming court dates see Friske due back on March 26, while Gutierrez is scheduled for May 13.
