MCINTOSH, MN – (trfnews.i234.me) – A Bemidji woman faces a felony drug charge after Minnesota State Patrol investigators allegedly discovered psychedelic mushrooms during a traffic stop in Polk County.
Kaylia Alese Merrill, 18, of Bemidji, is charged with fifth-degree controlled substance possession involving psilocybin mushrooms.
The charge stems from an October 31, 2026, traffic stop along Highway 2 in McIntosh.
According to a criminal complaint, Merrill told investigators the mushrooms belonged to her uncle.
Expired Registration Leads to Traffic Stop
A Minnesota State Patrol trooper stopped an Audi on Highway 2 after noticing its registration had expired.
The driver was identified as Rhiiaunna Symone Lee Gotchie, 20.
According to the complaint, Gotchie did not have a valid driver’s license.
Several people were inside the vehicle, including Merrill, who was seated behind the driver.
Investigators reported smelling marijuana coming from inside the Audi.
Gotchie acknowledged that marijuana was inside the vehicle and agreed to a search.
Trooper Discovers Mushrooms Inside Purse
During the search, the trooper allegedly discovered a sandwich bag containing suspected psilocybin mushrooms.
The bag was located inside a purse in the vehicle’s back seat.
Investigators questioned Merrill and another passenger about the mushrooms.
According to court documents, the other passenger initially claimed the mushrooms belonged to him.
However, Merrill reportedly provided additional information about how the mushrooms ended up inside the vehicle.
Woman Claims Mushrooms Belonged to Uncle
According to the complaint, Merrill told investigators the mushrooms were intended for her uncle.
She reportedly said they had purchased the mushrooms for him but had not delivered them.
Merrill also claimed she accidentally grabbed the wrong bag.
She allegedly explained that her uncle would have them pick up mushrooms and transport them to him.
According to investigators, Merrill acknowledged collecting the mushrooms from a friend.
She also reportedly said the mushrooms fit inside her bag.
The complaint does not identify the uncle or provide additional details about his alleged involvement.
Felony Drug Possession Charge Filed
Prosecutors allege Merrill unlawfully possessed a mixture containing psilocybin, a Schedule I controlled substance under Minnesota law.
The charge alleges possession involving more than 0.25 grams or more than one dosage unit of psilocybin.
The supplied complaint does not provide an exact laboratory-confirmed weight.
Merrill faces one count of fifth-degree controlled substance possession under Minnesota Statute 152.025.
If convicted, she could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
The legal provisions are available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Case Filed in Polk County District Court
The case was filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District under court number 60-CR-26-1624.
The criminal complaint includes an order of detention.
The supplied documents do not identify a scheduled court hearing or establish the current outcome of the case.
Additional case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Merrill is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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