Bemidji Heroin Case Brings Felony Charge

Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — A West St. Paul man is facing a felony drug charge in Beltrami County District Court.

Court records show Leroy Leronte McGahee was charged with first-degree possession of heroin with intent to distribute.

The case was filed on March 14 in the Ninth Judicial District. The court file number is 04-CR-22-754.

McGahee is charged under Minnesota Statute 152.021. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. It also carries a possible $1 million fine.

Alleged Drug Sale Near Bemidji

According to the complaint, the case began with a 2019 investigation in the Beltrami County area.

Investigators alleged that McGahee and Billie Jo Mountain were involved in heroin trafficking near Bemidji.

The complaint says a confidential informant arranged to buy 12 grams of heroin for $1,200.

The planned purchase happened at Mountain’s residence in Elpine Village Mobile Home Park near Bemidji.

Authorities said the informant met with McGahee and Mountain at the residence.

The complaint alleges the informant gave $1,200 during the meeting. It further alleges McGahee handed over suspected heroin.

Mugshot of Leroy Leronte McGahee — Leroy Leronte McGahee

Lab Testing Cited In Complaint

After the alleged purchase, the informant turned the substance over to investigators.

The complaint says the substance was later tested by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Forensic testing allegedly found the substance weighed 11.872 grams and contained heroin.

On May 21, 2019, authorities executed a search warrant at Mountain’s residence.

The complaint says investigators seized suspected heroin and other evidence linked to drug distribution.

The complaint states that later testing found about 45 grams of heroin.

Authorities alleged McGahee and Mountain had constructive possession of the substance.

Prior Convictions Listed

The complaint also lists prior criminal convictions for McGahee in Minnesota.

It states McGahee was convicted in 2013 of third-degree sale of heroin in Hennepin County.

It also states he was convicted in 2021 of fifth-degree possession of heroin.

The complaint says McGahee remained on supervised probation for that offense.

Court records also listed a pending 2021 assault charge in Ramsey County at the time of filing.

McGahee is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Case information may be reviewed through Minnesota Court Records Online.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.