Crookston Stop Leads to 2.1-Gram Meth Charge

Asiyah Nijaa Jernia Kevil, 23, of Abilene, Texas, was charged in Polk County District Court.

The complaint lists fifth-degree controlled substance possession as the only count.

The charge followed a June 17 traffic stop along Highway 75, according to the complaint.

Traffic Stop in Crookston

State troopers reported seeing a white Hyundai Sonata traveling south on Highway 75.

The vehicle made a U-turn and later entered the Highway 75 bypass.

Troopers said the car used high beams near their patrol vehicle.

They also reported a turn onto Marin Avenue without a signal.

The Sonata stopped in the Ampride parking lot after emergency lights were activated.

Kevil was the driver and the only person inside the vehicle.

She told troopers she had traveled from Texas with a friend.

Kevil said the friend left the vehicle in a Crookston neighborhood.

She said she then took over driving and planned to return to Texas.

Search Finds Suspected Methamphetamine

Troopers asked whether anything illegal might be inside the car.

Kevil said there should not be, according to the complaint.

She also said her friend had used methamphetamine.

The complaint states that Kevil gave officers permission to search the vehicle.

During the search, officers opened a fuse box under the hood.

They reported finding a small bag containing a crystal-like substance.

The substance weighed 2.1 grams, according to the court filing.

A field test gave a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.

Kevil was arrested and taken to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center.

Her vehicle was towed to a secure location after the stop.

Felony Charge Filed

Prosecutors charged Kevil under Minnesota Statute 152.025.

The complaint says the charge carries up to five years in prison.

It also carries a possible $10,000 fine, or both penalties.

The filing says Kevil had no prior adult convictions in Minnesota or Texas.

The case is filed as 60-CR-26-839 in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Public case information may be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.

A criminal complaint contains allegations. Kevil is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.