THIEF RIVER FALLS, MN – (trfnews.i234.me) – A Puerto Rico man has been sentenced to prison in two Pennington County cocaine cases involving possession and drug sales.
Nathanael Centeno Reyes, 30, of Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, received two concurrent 48-month prison sentences on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The sentences stem from separate investigations involving cocaine possession and a controlled drug purchase in 2024.
Four-Year Prison Sentence Ordered
In the first case, Reyes was sentenced for felony first-degree possession of 50 grams or more of cocaine.
Prosecutors dismissed additional charges involving cocaine sales and possession of at least 10 kilograms of cannabis flower.
Reyes received a 48-month prison sentence to run concurrently with his sentence in the second case.
He was also ordered to provide a DNA sample and pay $210 in fines and fees.
The court prohibited him from possessing firearms, ammunition, or dangerous weapons unless his civil rights are restored.
Traffic Stop Leads to Major Drug Discovery
The investigation began October 5, 2024, during a traffic stop near the Highway 32 roundabout.
Reyes was driving a vehicle owned by Elmer Baez Rodriguez, according to the case details.
Rodriguez had a revoked driver’s license and was on probation at the time.
Investigators reported smelling marijuana coming from the rear of the vehicle.
After contacting Rodriguez’s probation officer, authorities conducted a search.
Rodriguez reportedly acknowledged that approximately 30 pounds of marijuana were inside the trunk.
Investigators discovered duffel bags and a garbage bag containing multiple vacuum-sealed packages of suspected marijuana.
Investigators Uncover Alleged Cocaine Operation
Rodriguez allegedly told investigators that he and Reyes had purchased marijuana in Modesto, California.
He claimed Reyes helped distribute marijuana and cocaine.
According to investigators, Rodriguez described obtaining cocaine from Puerto Rico through the mail.
He allegedly purchased approximately 125 grams every three to four months for $1,750 per shipment.
Rodriguez claimed Reyes sold cocaine for approximately $100 per gram.
These statements were part of the investigation and were attributed to Rodriguez.
Search Reveals More Than 155 Grams of Cocaine
Reyes later consented to a search of his residence, according to the case information.
He reportedly led investigators into a bedroom and opened a safe.
Inside, investigators found three bags containing a white powdery substance and approximately $7,500 in cash.
One bag also contained 11 smaller packages.
Testing by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed that two bags contained 155.581 grams of cocaine.
The discovery supported the first-degree drug possession case.
Separate Cocaine Sale at LaFave Park
The second case involved a controlled drug purchase arranged through a confidential informant in August 2024.
Investigators reported that Rodriguez contacted the informant about purchasing cocaine.
A controlled purchase was scheduled for August 16 at LaFave Park.
According to the investigation, Rodriguez arrived with Reyes in a vehicle.
Reyes allegedly handed the informant a bag of cocaine and received $800 in exchange.
Laboratory testing confirmed the substance contained 13.816 grams of cocaine.
Two Cocaine Convictions Result in Concurrent Sentences
Reyes was sentenced for felony second-degree cocaine sales in the separate case.
A third-degree cocaine possession charge was dismissed.
He received another 48-month prison sentence, concurrent with the first sentence.
Because the terms run together, they do not combine into an eight-year prison term.
The original sentencing report also indicated Rodriguez faced separate proceedings and an outstanding arrest warrant.
His current case status has not been independently confirmed.
Additional information about Minnesota’s controlled substance laws is available through the first-degree drug statute and second-degree drug statute.
Public court records can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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