Britt man pleads not guilty to meth charge

CRYSTAL LAKE — A Britt man has pleaded not guilty to a meth dealing charge.

37-year-old Zackery Mattis was arrested on April 23rd after a traffic stop near Crystal Lake. A criminal complaint says an officer detected a strong chemical odor associated with methamphetamine, with a police K9 indicating drugs were in the vehicle. A search allegedly yielded more than five grams of methamphetamine. According to the complaint, Mattis stated at the time that he did not use the drug often.

Mattis was charged with intent to manufacture or deliver meth, a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison, as well as driving while barred.

Mattis filed a written plea of not guilty earlier this week in Hancock County District Court, with his trial scheduled for July 12th.