Cass Lake Man Faces Fentanyl, Trespass Charges

Cass Lake (trfnews.i234.me) — Harold Carl Fairbanks faces three criminal charges following an incident at Cedar Lakes Casino.

The incident happened September 21, 2026, in Cass County, according to a criminal complaint.

Fairbanks faces a gross misdemeanor fifth-degree controlled substance charge.

He also faces gross misdemeanor trespassing and misdemeanor obstruction charges.

Casino Staff Report Excluded Guest

According to the complaint, casino staff reported Fairbanks was inside Cedar Lakes Casino.

The complaint says Fairbanks had previously been ordered to leave the property.

He also had a written exclusion from the casino within the previous year.

Tribal police responded and located Fairbanks on the gaming floor.

He was escorted from the casino to the front entrance.

Police then placed Fairbanks under arrest, according to the complaint.

A search during the arrest allegedly uncovered a tightly wrapped package inside Fairbanks’ pants pocket.

The package contained a white powder, according to court documents.

The complaint says the substance tested positive for fentanyl.

Investigators reported the substance weighed about .072 grams.

Prosecutors charged Fairbanks under Minnesota Statute 152.025.

The complaint lists the drug charge as a gross misdemeanor.

It carries a maximum sentence of 364 days and a $3,000 fine.

The complaint says Fairbanks refused several directions to enter a patrol vehicle.

Officers eventually lifted Fairbanks into the vehicle, according to the complaint.

That allegation led to a misdemeanor obstruction charge.

The charge was filed under Minnesota Statute 609.50.

Prosecutors also charged Fairbanks with returning to property after being ordered not to return.

The complaint lists three other pending trespass cases against Fairbanks from 2026.

It also lists prior Cass County trespass convictions from 2022 and 2025.

The current trespass charge references Minnesota Statute 609.605.

The complaint lists a maximum sentence of 364 days and a $3,000 fine.

The case is filed as 11-CR-26-1425 in Cass County District Court.

More court information is available from the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.

Fairbanks is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.