BECKER COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A Rochert man is facing a felony drug charge after a Becker County deputy said he found meth and more than $7,600 in cash during an arrest earlier this month.
Court documents state that Derek Wayne Skaalen, 40, of Rochert, is charged with felony fifth-degree drug possession. The charge follows an incident that occurred on November 1.
A Becker County deputy was on patrol that afternoon. The deputy knew Skaalen had an active warrant for his arrest. While driving by a local establishment, the deputy saw Skaalen inside the building. The deputy entered the business to arrest him.
According to the complaint, Skaalen ran toward a garbage can as the deputy approached. Skaalen reportedly tossed an item into the garbage. When the deputy asked him about it, Skaalen said he only threw away cigarettes. The deputy then ordered employees not to touch the garbage can.
After placing Skaalen into a squad car, the deputy returned to the garbage can. An employee pointed out a cigarette carton that Skaalen had thrown away. The deputy removed the carton and found a small plastic bag hidden inside. The bag contained a substance that later field-tested positive for meth. The test weight showed .86 grams, including the plastic bag.
Skaalen was taken to the Becker County Jail. During the booking process, staff found $7,636 in cash on him. The complaint did not list any explanation for the large amount of money.
Skaalen was released on November 3 without bail under standard court conditions. These conditions often include following all laws and appearing at all hearings. More information about Minnesota drug laws can be found at the Minnesota Statutes website.
His initial court appearance is scheduled for November 17 in Becker County District Court before Judge Michelle W. Lawson. No trial date has been set.
Skaalen is presumed innocent unless convicted in court. Court documents may change as more information is filed.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
