Detroit Lakes Man Charged in 17-Ounce Cocaine Case

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Detroit Lakes man faces a felony drug charge in Becker County.

Richard Lee Washington, 72, is charged with third-degree possession of a controlled substance.

The complaint was filed in Becker County District Court under case number 03-CR-26-1272.

Prosecutors allege Washington helped possess at least 10 grams of a narcotic drug.

The substance was identified in the complaint as cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Investigators Tracked May Trip

According to the complaint, investigators began examining alleged drug activity in late 2025.

Authorities previously reported finding cocaine with Washington during two separate incidents.

Laboratory testing identified about 6.4 grams from a December 2025 seizure.

Testing also identified about 5.4 grams from a January 2026 seizure.

Washington later told investigators he received cocaine from a man known as “Chuck,” the complaint states.

A confidential informant later alleged Washington sold cocaine in quantities ranging from an eight-ball to one ounce.

The informant also claimed Washington received cocaine from Charles Hughes Sr., according to the complaint.

Investigators obtained a warrant to track Hughes’ phone using location data.

On May 19, the phone traveled toward the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, the complaint states.

Surveillance video allegedly showed Hughes carrying a black backpack into Washington’s red Ford Escort.

Officers later watched the vehicle return toward Detroit Lakes on U.S. Highway 10.

Washington was driving, while Hughes was riding as a passenger, according to the complaint.

Authorities stopped the vehicle and secured it while seeking a search warrant.

Washington allegedly said he dropped Hughes off before shopping at a grocery store.

He also said the backpack belonged to Hughes and was inside the vehicle before the trip.

A vehicle search was completed on May 20.

Investigators reported finding about 17 ounces of a substance inside the backpack.

The substance produced a positive field-test result for cocaine, the complaint states.

Washington is charged under Minnesota Statute 152.023.

A conviction can bring up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

Case information can be reviewed through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The Becker County District Court handles criminal cases filed in the county.

The charge is an allegation. Washington is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.