Thief River Falls Woman Charged In Meth Case

Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) – A local woman faces a felony drug charge. It follows a traffic stop earlier this month.

Tonisha May Gilbert, 33, of Thief River Falls, is charged in Pennington County District Court. The case is filed under court number 57-CR-26-384.

According to the complaint, the stop happened on June 5, 2026, at 12:13 a.m. Officers were on routine patrol near Petro Pumper Northdale Oil.

The complaint says officers saw a vehicle enter the parking lot. They reported a cracked windshield and an object hanging from the vehicle.

Gilbert was identified as the driver and registered owner. Officers said a THC vape device was seen on the center console.

Gilbert allegedly told officers the device contained THC. She also allegedly said more marijuana was inside the vehicle.

Charges Filed In Pennington County

Gilbert is charged with a fifth-degree controlled substance crime. The complaint alleges she possessed about 3 grams of methamphetamine.

The charge is a felony under Minnesota Statute 152.025. It carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

She is also charged with fourth-degree driving while impaired involving a controlled substance. That charge is a misdemeanor.

The complaint alleges Gilbert operated a motor vehicle after consuming methamphetamine. Minnesota DWI law is listed under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.

A third count alleges an open package of cannabis in a motor vehicle. That charge is also a misdemeanor.

The cannabis count falls under Minnesota Statute 169A.36.

Court documents say officers searched the vehicle after the stop. A backpack was found on the passenger seat.

Inside, officers reported two small plastic bags with a crystal-like substance. One bag tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine.

Officers also reported finding a digital scale and many small plastic baggies. Drug paraphernalia and improperly packaged marijuana were also listed.

The complaint says $751 in cash was found in the backpack. The money was seized pending forfeiture review.

Gilbert was later arrested after field sobriety testing. A blood sample was secured and sent for drug analysis.

The suspected methamphetamine was later weighed. Court documents list the weight at about 3 grams.

Case records may be reviewed through Minnesota Court Records Online.

All charges are accusations. Gilbert is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.