Otter Tail County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Circle Pines woman faces two first-degree felony drug charges following an Interstate 94 traffic stop.
Jessica June Lopez, 48, is accused of possessing approximately 311 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
The charges stem from a January 22, 2026, traffic stop in Otter Tail County.
According to court documents, investigators discovered several bags containing suspected drugs hidden inside a vehicle.
The case is filed in Otter Tail County District Court under number 56-CR-26-2375.
Traffic Stop Begins on Interstate 94
According to the criminal complaint, a Minnesota State Patrol trooper was monitoring traffic around 11:23 p.m.
The trooper observed a vehicle traveling 74 mph in a posted 70 mph zone.
An object hanging from the rearview mirror also caught the trooper’s attention.
The trooper conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Angela Estrem.
Jessica June Lopez was identified as the passenger.
Investigators reported that both women appeared extremely nervous during the stop.
Lopez reportedly had shaky hands while searching her phone for insurance information.
The driver allegedly avoided eye contact and struggled to place the vehicle in park.
Conflicting Travel Plans Raise Questions
According to the complaint, investigators questioned both women about their travel plans.
Lopez initially said they were traveling to visit an uncle.
Estrem reportedly said they were heading toward Breckenridge but could not identify the person they planned to visit.
She also appeared unsure whether they would stay overnight.
Lopez later said they were traveling to Fergus Falls to visit an uncle named Dustin.
The trooper also noticed there was no visible luggage inside the vehicle.
Investigators reported confusion involving identification information provided during the stop.
The complaint also references an outstanding warrant involving the driver.
K9 Search Leads to Suspected Meth Seizure
The trooper deployed a police K9 to conduct a drug sniff around the vehicle.
According to the complaint, the dog alerted near the open passenger window.
Extreme cold reportedly prevented the K9 from completing additional passes around the vehicle.
Lopez allegedly told investigators that drug pipes and scales were beneath the passenger seat.
During a vehicle search, investigators found a red scale under that seat.
The trooper also searched the trunk and discovered a grocery bag hidden near a rear quarter panel.
The bag contained several smaller bags holding crystalline material consistent with methamphetamine.
Investigators reported the suspected methamphetamine weighed approximately 311 grams, or 11 ounces.
Another substance described as white powder weighed approximately five grams.
The supplied complaint does not include laboratory confirmation identifying either substance.
Woman Allegedly Describes Planned Drug Delivery
Following the discovery, Lopez reportedly gave investigators a different explanation for the trip.
According to court documents, she said she was traveling from the Twin Cities to meet a friend.
Lopez allegedly explained that she had met the friend while receiving treatment.
She reportedly planned to deliver the methamphetamine and return to the Twin Cities.
The complaint does not establish that a drug delivery was completed.
Two First-Degree Felony Charges Filed
Prosecutors charged Lopez with first-degree controlled substance sale involving alleged possession with intent to sell.
The second count alleges first-degree possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine or cocaine.
Both charges reference Minnesota Statute 152.021.
The complaint also lists earlier drug convictions from Hennepin and Otter Tail counties.
Each current charge carries a listed maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
These are potential maximum penalties, not sentences imposed by the court.
Otter Tail County Court Proceedings
The case is filed in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District under court file number 56-CR-26-2375.
The complaint is identified as a summons matter.
The supplied document does not establish Lopez’s plea, current custody status, or final case outcome.
Readers can search for updates through Minnesota Court Records Online.
All charges remain allegations. Lopez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
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