Moorhead Parents Seek to Toss THC Case Evidence

Moorhead (trfnews.i234.me) — Martin and Amanda Hulst want evidence in their felony drug case thrown out.

The Moorhead couple argues investigators unlawfully searched their home after several students became sick at Horizon Middle School.

Both were charged May 19, one day after emergency crews responded to the school.

Several students had reportedly eaten THC-laced gummy candy and later became ill or nauseous.

Defense Challenges Search Warrant

Attorneys for the Hulsts have filed motions asking a Clay County judge to suppress evidence.

They argue the home search violated protections under the Fourth Amendment.

Martin Hulst’s attorney, Michael Minard, filed a brief supporting the motion.

Minard argued investigators relied heavily on information from one student witness.

He described that information as unverified, unreliable, and insufficiently supported.

The search warrant application outlined information investigators presented before searching the family’s home.

Court documents say one student had previously reported THC vape cartridge sales at the school.

The student allegedly identified the Hulsts’ daughter as the person supplying those cartridges.

School officials searched backpacks and lockers connected to the report.

No THC products or other contraband were found during those searches, court records state.

The student also claimed she received cartridges at the Hulst home on two occasions.

She further described an alleged cash transaction involving cartridges inside the residence.

School video from the day students became sick showed the Hulsts’ daughter handling a red item.

According to the warrant application, she then handed pieces to several students.

The girl reportedly told investigators she received the candy after getting off a school bus.

The warrant application said school video did not show that reported transaction.

Minard argued investigators failed to sufficiently confirm the student witness’s earlier claims.

He also argued authorities did not establish a clear link between the candy and the Hulst residence.

Clay County prosecutors say investigators later searched the Hulsts’ home on 10½ Street North.

Court filings allege officers found suspected THC flower, cartridges, and wax inside the residence.

Prosecutors also allege psychedelic mushrooms and a large amount of cash were recovered.

Martin Hulst filed his suppression motion in late June.

His supporting brief was filed near the end of August.

Amanda Hulst filed a similar motion on September 16.

Her filing also seeks dismissal of the charges against her.

Both defendants face felony drug sale and possession charges.

They also face misdemeanor child endangerment allegations.

The charges remain allegations unless proven in court.

Information about Minnesota courts is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.