Crookston: Root Faces 3 Felony Meth Charges
CROOKSTON, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Andrew Eamos Lewis Root faces three felony methamphetamine charges in Polk County District Court.
The charges follow an investigation involving alleged controlled drug buys in Crookston.
Root, 33, is charged in court file 60-CR-26-1295.
The alleged offenses occurred between Aug. 5 and Sept. 2, 2026.
Two Meth Sales Alleged Near Schools
Counts One and Two allege second-degree controlled substance sales within prohibited zones.
Prosecutors allege Root sold methamphetamine during two separate controlled purchases.
The first alleged sale occurred on Aug. 5.
The complaint says the transaction happened near Highland Elementary School.
A confidential informant allegedly arranged to buy one-half gram for $50.
Police supplied recorded money before the transaction, according to the complaint.
The informant later gave investigators a bag containing a crystal-like substance.
A field test allegedly produced a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.
The complaint says Root later delivered additional suspected methamphetamine.
A second controlled purchase allegedly occurred on Aug. 25.
That transaction involved $100, according to prosecutors.
Investigators allege Root later met the informant near his Crookston apartment.
The apartment is across from Crookston High School, according to the complaint.
The informant later surrendered another bag of suspected methamphetamine.
Search Warrant Leads to Third Charge
Police obtained a search warrant for Root’s apartment on Sept. 2.
Root was arrested while walking to work, according to the complaint.
Prosecutors say Root admitted selling methamphetamine to the informant several times.
He also allegedly admitted recent methamphetamine use.
Police searched the apartment after Root’s arrest.
The complaint says investigators found a digital scale and multiple empty plastic bags.
They also allegedly found a small bag containing a crystal-like substance.
A field test again allegedly indicated methamphetamine.
That evidence resulted in a third-degree controlled substance possession charge.
Prosecutors allege the possession occurred within Crookston High School’s protected zone.
Felony Penalties Possible
The first two counts cite Minnesota Statute 152.022.
Each count carries a maximum 25-year prison term.
Each also carries a possible $500,000 fine.
The third count cites Minnesota Statute 152.023.
That offense carries up to 20 years in prison.
It also carries a possible $250,000 fine.
Those penalties are maximums and are not sentences against Root.
Charges Remain Allegations
The criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court.
Root is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Public case information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
No police officer names are included in this report.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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