Crookston Man Charged in Public Housing Meth Sale

Crookston (trfnews.i234.me) — Ismael Gonzalez Jr. faces a felony controlled-substance charge in Polk County District Court.

Prosecutors allege Gonzalez sold methamphetamine inside the Oak Court Apartments public housing complex in Crookston.

The complaint alleges the transaction involved more than one gram of methamphetamine for $50.

Gonzalez is charged with second-degree controlled-substance sale in a public housing zone.

Tenant Reports Methamphetamine Use

The investigation began after a Crookston housing employee contacted police on August 20, 2025.

The employee reported that a tenant had admitted using methamphetamine inside an Oak Court apartment.

The tenant, identified as J.C., later spoke with investigators.

J.C. said a mutual friend connected him with a man known as “Smiley.”

The friend allegedly said Smiley had a large amount of methamphetamine available for sale.

J.C. told investigators he contacted Smiley and arranged for methamphetamine to be delivered to his apartment.

He said the delivery happened on August 17, according to the probable-cause statement.

Ismael Gonzalez Jr. mugshot — Ismael Gonzalez Jr.

$50 Drug Sale Alleged

J.C. said Smiley arrived at Oak Court in a gold-colored minivan.

He told police the two entered his apartment together.

J.C. alleged Smiley carried several bags containing pink methamphetamine.

He also said Smiley brought a scale into the apartment.

According to J.C., Smiley weighed more than one gram of methamphetamine.

J.C. said he paid $50 for the drugs.

He later gave investigators a folded bus card allegedly used during the transaction.

The card tested positive for methamphetamine, according to the complaint.

J.C. also provided a urine sample that tested positive for methamphetamine.

Surveillance Footage Reviewed

Investigators reviewed surveillance video from outside Oak Court Apartments.

The footage allegedly showed a gold-colored minivan arriving at the building.

Video showed J.C. meeting a man near the vehicle, according to the complaint.

The two then entered the apartment building.

About four minutes later, the man returned to the minivan.

Police identified the man as Ismael Gonzalez Jr. using photographs and driver’s license records.

Felony Charge Filed

The charge is filed under Minnesota Statute 152.022.

The statute covers methamphetamine sales in school, park, public housing, and certain treatment zones.

The charge carries up to 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

The complaint lists August 20 as the offense date.

However, its probable-cause section describes the alleged sale as occurring on August 17.

The case is State of Minnesota v. Ismael Gonzalez Jr.

The court file number is 60-CR-25-1723.

Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The criminal complaint contains allegations and does not establish Gonzalez’s guilt.

Gonzalez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.

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