His wife, 44-year-old Erika Flores Perez, faces nearly identical charges across two cases, minus the fentanyl possession count. Both waived their preliminary hearings and entered not guilty pleas. They are scheduled to return to court on November 26 at 1:30 p.m.
The case began during the early morning hours of July 24, when police stopped the couple’s rental vehicle in Grand Forks. Officers reported the smell of marijuana and obtained a search warrant. Inside the trunk, officers found a vacuum-sealed bag with 263.9 grams of cocaine. Additional marijuana, THC gummies, and paraphernalia were also discovered inside the vehicle.
Law enforcement reported that a 2-year-old child was inside the vehicle at the time of the incident. Officers also found nearly $3,900 in cash on Perez, inside the vehicle, and in a purse.
Later that day, police searched the couple’s home and an alleged “stash house.” Investigators reported seizing 4.09 pounds of marijuana, 555.03 grams of THC edibles, 131 grams of methamphetamine, 29 THC vape cartridges, 25 THC vape pens, 13.9 grams of cocaine, 7.3 grams of fentanyl, and a digital scale with residue. An additional $3,437 in cash was also recovered.
Each Class A felony charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The cases remain under investigation by law enforcement. See North Dakota court records here.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Jesus Guadalupe Perez