Cass Lake Man Faces Fentanyl Sale, Meth Charges

Cass Lake (trfnews.i234.me) — A Cass Lake man faces two felony drug charges after a search of a residence.

Earl Douglas Norton Jr. is charged with fourth-degree drug sale and fifth-degree controlled substance possession.

The case involves fentanyl and methamphetamine, according to the criminal complaint.

The complaint lists the alleged offense date as July 13, 2023.

Search Warrant Executed in Cass Lake

Authorities executed a search warrant at a Cass Lake property on July 14, 2023.

The warrant covered a mobile home and detached garage, according to court records.

Norton opened the door after investigators announced they had a search warrant.

Authorities reported finding several items of suspected drug paraphernalia inside the mobile home.

Investigators also found several folded foil packets near a television area.

One packet contained a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine.

Three other packets contained a purple-colored powder, according to the complaint.

Investigators interviewed Norton after advising him of his rights.

The complaint says Norton identified the purple substance as fentanyl.

He allegedly told investigators he had been selling fentanyl for at least two months.

Norton reportedly said he sold fentanyl to help pay for groceries and household expenses.

The complaint also says Norton acknowledged that methamphetamine inside the residence was for personal use.

Those statements are allegations contained in the filed criminal complaint.

The seized substances were later submitted for laboratory testing.

A Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension report was received in November 2024.

The report confirmed one packet contained 0.326 grams of methamphetamine, according to the complaint.

Three other packets contained fentanyl and weighed 0.49 grams combined with packaging.

Prosecutors later charged Norton with fourth-degree sale of a controlled substance.

The complaint lists a maximum penalty of 15 years and a possible $100,000 fine.

The fifth-degree possession charge carries up to five years and a possible $10,000 fine.

Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The case is filed under Cass County court file number 11-CR-25-141.

The charges and supporting statements are allegations and do not establish guilt.

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

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.