Crookston: Castilleja Faces Gun, Cocaine Charges
CROOKSTON, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Hector Alamillo Castilleja faces four criminal charges in Polk County District Court.
The charges followed an August 2026 investigation at a Crookston apartment.
Castilleja, 37, is charged in court file 60-CR-26-1247.
Prosecutors filed two firearm counts and two felony cocaine possession counts.
Police Investigate Crookston Apartment
The complaint says police went to an apartment on South Main Street on Aug. 16.
Investigators were assisting during a family-related call at the residence.
While inside, police allegedly saw a rolled dollar bill containing white powder.
A field test later allegedly showed cocaine.
The complaint says Castilleja acknowledged that the powder was cocaine.
Police also reported seeing two 9mm rounds inside the apartment.
Castilleja allegedly told investigators a pistol was located in a vehicle.
A search of that vehicle did not locate a firearm that day.
No police officer names are included in this report.
Search Warrant Allegedly Finds Loaded Pistol
Investigators later obtained a search warrant for the apartment.
Police returned on Aug. 24 and detained Castilleja, according to the complaint.
The search allegedly found a CANIK 9mm semi-automatic pistol above kitchen cabinets.
The pistol was loaded with a magazine containing 13 rounds, prosecutors allege.
Hector Alamillo Castilleja | Polk County booking photo
Police also reported finding additional ammunition and gun-cleaning supplies.
A digital scale with white powder was allegedly found in a bedroom dresser.
The substance later field-tested positive for cocaine, according to the complaint.
Additional ammunition and suspected cocaine residue were allegedly found in a nearby vehicle.
Firearm Charges Filed
Count One alleges firearm possession after a qualifying crime-of-violence adjudication.
The charge cites Minnesota Statute 624.713.
The complaint cites a prior Texas burglary adjudication as the alleged disqualifying offense.
The count carries up to 15 years in prison.
A fine of up to $30,000 is also possible.
The complaint also cites a five-year mandatory minimum provision.
Count Two alleges firearm possession while unlawfully present in the United States.
That allegation is classified as a gross misdemeanor.
The complaint lists a maximum of 364 days and a $3,000 fine.
Two Cocaine Charges Filed
Counts Three and Four allege third-degree controlled-substance possession within a prohibited zone.
Prosecutors allege cocaine was possessed near Our Saviors Lutheran Elementary School.
The counts cite Minnesota Statute 152.023.
Each felony carries up to 20 years and a $250,000 fine.
Those are maximum penalties and are not sentences against Castilleja.
Charges Remain Allegations
The criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court.
Castilleja is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Jail information is available through the Northwest Regional Corrections Center.
Public court records are available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.