Shawn Casey Tope, 22, who was charged in connection with methamphetamine production, pleaded guilty in a court hearing Tuesday. In exchange for having a part of the charge dismissed, Tope will testify against his brother, Jason, who was arrested with Shawn and recaptured after escaping from the Freeborn County Jail.

Tope agreed with the conditions negotiated between his defense lawyer, Peggy Rockow-Eskens, and prosecutor Sherry Townsent.

The plea bargain includes a dismissal of three counts: First-degree production of meth, first-degree aiding and abetting the production, and meth possession. He will be sentenced only for the remaining count: First-degree conspiracy to produce meth.

Tope also agreed to provide testimony against his brother in a trial scheduled for July, and must participate in a chemical-dependency treatment program.

Rockow-Eskens said she would seek a downward depature from a sentencing guideline for the conspiracy charge.

In the hearing, Shawn Tope said he did not play an active role in the meth production &045; just purchasing some pills and solvents, and helping the production process. Tope also said he was never paid by his brother.

According to Shawn Tope, Jason started the production of meth in a trailer-house in Twin Lakes in July of last year. Jason moved the clandestine lab to the garage of his residence at Giles Place in Albert Lea in November.

The police raided the lab on Nov. 7 and arrested the brothers. Jason escaped from the county jail on Feb. 8 this year.