East Grand Forks Woman Faces Meth, DWI Charges

East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — Jennifer Layne Mickelson faces felony drug and misdemeanor DWI charges in Polk County.

The charges follow a traffic stop in East Grand Forks. The allegations are listed in court file 60-CR-26-936.

Traffic Stop Near High School

Police saw a black Chevrolet pickup leave a home near East Grand Forks Senior High School, the complaint says.

The complaint says the pickup made two turns without signaling. Police also reported an obstructed rear plate and an item hanging from the mirror.

An officer stopped the pickup in the 1200 block of Third Avenue Northwest. Mickelson was identified as the driver.

Police reported that Mickelson had bloodshot, watery eyes and constricted pupils. She denied using alcohol or drugs.

Road conditions were icy, so police limited field sobriety testing. The complaint says Mickelson allowed officers to search the pickup.

Methamphetamine Allegedly Found

Police reported finding a torch lighter, a used pipe, and three bags containing a crystal-like substance.

The items were found inside a purse on the front passenger seat, according to the complaint.

Investigators said the substance weighed about four grams with packaging. A field test was presumptively positive for methamphetamine.

Jennifer Layne Mickelson mugshot — Jennifer Layne Mickelson

A later test by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed methamphetamine, the complaint states.

The complaint also says Mickelson provided a urine sample. That sample reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine.

During a recorded interview, Mickelson allegedly admitted using methamphetamine earlier that day. She also allegedly said the drugs were for personal use.

Charges and Possible Penalties

Mickelson is charged with third-degree controlled substance possession in a prohibited zone.

The felony charge alleges possession within 300 feet of East Grand Forks Senior High School.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, or both.

She also faces fourth-degree DWI for allegedly driving with methamphetamine in her body.

That misdemeanor carries up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

Readers can review the cited laws through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes and the state’s DWI law.

Public case information may also be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

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

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.