Thief River Falls: Kids Alone, Meth Found

Thief River Falls, Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man faces new charges. They follow a search warrant on Crocker Avenue South.

Kareem Abdullah Al-Thanon, 27, of Thief River Falls, is charged in Pennington County.

• Felony: Methamphetamine-Related Crime Involving Children (152.137.2(a)(4)).
• Gross misdemeanor: Child Endangerment, places a child at risk of harm (609.378.1(b)(1)).

What led to the search

Investigators say the county Special Response Team served a warrant on Jan. 27, 2026. The home was in the 600 block of Crocker Avenue South.

Court papers say the first warrant focused on firearms. A school resource officer reportedly saw Facebook photos of Al-Thanon with guns. Investigators say he is barred from having firearms.

Deputies say the main door was open when they arrived. They report finding three children inside the home. The children were ages 8, 6, and 4. Authorities say the children were alone.

What investigators say they found

During a safety sweep, an investigator reported drug items in plain view. The search then paused, court papers say. Investigators sought a second warrant for narcotics.

After that warrant was signed, deputies searched more of the home. Court papers say two hypodermic needles were on a bedroom bookshelf. One needle field-tested as a presumptive positive for methamphetamine.

Investigators also report finding a blue and green Fila backpack in the basement area. The backpack was behind a door near a bed, according to the complaint.

Inside, deputies say they found a clear container with a crystal-like substance. Authorities say it tested positive for methamphetamine. The complaint also lists burnt tin foil and pen casings. It also lists many small plastic baggies.

Investigators say the backpack held a casino exclusion notice with Al-Thanon’s name. Authorities say Al-Thanon was located and arrested after the home was cleared.

Charges and court

State law links are here: Minnesota Statute 152.137 and Minnesota Statute 609.378.

Judge Tamara Lynn Yon set bail at $750 cash with conditions. Bail may also be posted as a $7,500 bond with conditions. Unconditional bail was set at $10,000 cash or a $100,000 bond.

Release terms include obeying the law and attending all court dates. If convicted, the felony drug count carries up to five years in prison, court papers say.

Case information may be listed on the Minnesota Judicial Branch public access site. Alleged offense date: Jan. 27, 2026. Court filing date: Jan. 29, 2026.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.