East Grand Forks Woman Faces Meth Charge Near School

EAST GRAND FORKS, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — An East Grand Forks woman faces three criminal charges following a traffic stop near Sacred Heart School.

Cheyenne Renee Clifton, 38, is charged with felony methamphetamine possession and two gross-misdemeanor driving offenses.

According to the criminal complaint, investigators discovered suspected methamphetamine and prescription pills concealed in Clifton’s clothing.

The August 6, 2026, incident began after police observed Clifton driving despite having canceled driving privileges.

Police Follow Vehicle Through East Grand Forks

According to court documents, officers observed Clifton driving a 2003 Ford Escape near Hugo’s grocery store.

Investigators already knew her driving privileges had been canceled as inimical to public safety.

Police watched Clifton leave the store, enter the driver’s seat, and drive away.

Traffic initially prevented officers from following directly behind her vehicle.

Another officer later located the Ford Escape traveling south on Central Avenue.

The vehicle stopped in a parking lot at 304 Central Avenue Northwest.

According to prosecutors, the location was within the designated school zone surrounding Sacred Heart School.

Officers Report Signs of Possible Impairment

During the investigation, Clifton reportedly acknowledged taking pills and admitted knowing she did not have a valid driver’s license.

Officers observed that Clifton appeared nervous and was visibly shaking.

Police requested permission to search the vehicle.

Clifton explained that the vehicle belonged to her husband and declined to authorize the search herself.

Investigators contacted her husband, who gave permission to search the Ford Escape.

Meanwhile, officers conducted field sobriety testing.

According to the complaint, Clifton had difficulty following instructions during the walk-and-turn and one-leg-stand tests.

Officers subsequently arrested her on suspicion of impaired driving.

Three Baggies Allegedly Found in Clothing

Following her arrest, Clifton reportedly told officers she had something concealed inside her bra.

Authorities transported her to the East Grand Forks Police Department for a search by a female probation agent.

During that search, investigators allegedly discovered three small baggies.

One contained three green pills later identified as oxycodone.

Another contained a small amount of suspected methamphetamine, while the third was empty.

Clifton also provided a urine sample for testing.

According to the complaint, an on-site test was positive for methamphetamine, oxycodone, and THC.

The supplied complaint does not identify a separate laboratory confirmation of those screening results.

East Grand Forks Woman Faces Meth Charge Near School

Felony Drug Charge Involves School Zone

Prosecutors allege Clifton possessed methamphetamine within the legally defined zone surrounding Sacred Heart School.

Under Minnesota Statute 152.023, possessing certain controlled substances within a school zone can constitute a third-degree felony.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The complaint does not allege that Clifton sold drugs or interacted with students.

Previous DWI Conviction Cited

Prosecutors also charged Clifton with third-degree DWI involving a Schedule I or II controlled substance.

Her January 27, 2021, DWI conviction was cited as an aggravating factor.

The third charge involves driving after cancellation of her license as inimical to public safety.

According to the complaint, her driving privileges were canceled in February 2021.

Both driving offenses are classified as gross misdemeanors.

Each carries up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.

Polk County Court Case

The charges are filed in Polk County District Court under case number 60-CR-26-1503.

The supplied complaint does not establish a conviction, sentence, or final case outcome.

Readers can check public filings through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Additional information about impaired driving is available under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.

Clifton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.