Crookston Man Charged In Meth Zone Case
Crookston (trfnews.i234.me) — A Crookston man is facing a felony drug charge in Polk County District Court.
James Fredrick Copeland, 54, has been charged with third-degree controlled substance crime. The charge alleges possession of methamphetamine in a prohibited zone.
According to a Minnesota court complaint, the case was filed in the 9th Judicial District. The court file number is 60-CR-26-549.
Charge Filed In Polk County
The complaint states the alleged offense happened on or about August 20, 2025. It involved Oak Court Apartments in Crookston.
Authorities say Oak Court Apartments is a public housing complex. Court records allege Copeland possessed methamphetamine within 300 feet, or one city block, of that property.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. It also carries a possible $250,000 fine, or both.
James Fredrick Copeland
Complaint Details Alleged Meth Use
The complaint says housing staff contacted Crookston police after a tenant allegedly admitted to using methamphetamine inside an apartment.
Copeland allegedly told authorities he had used meth after being sober for about one year.
According to the complaint, Copeland said a person known as “Smiley” persuaded him to use meth. He also told authorities he did not know Smiley’s real name.
Court records say Copeland claimed a mutual friend connected him with Smiley through Facebook and by phone.
The complaint says Copeland reported that Smiley lived in Thief River Falls. Copeland allegedly said Smiley delivered meth to his Crookston apartment.
Surveillance And Test Results
The complaint states Copeland gave authorities a folded bus card. It later allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine.
Court records also say Copeland gave a urine sample. The sample allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine.
Authorities reviewed surveillance video from outside the apartment building. The complaint says the video showed a gold-colored minivan arriving.
The complaint says Copeland and Smiley met near the vehicle. They then allegedly entered Copeland’s apartment.
Four minutes later, Smiley allegedly left the apartment and returned to the minivan.
Authorities later identified Smiley as Ismael Gonzalez Jr., according to the court complaint.
The charge is an accusation. Copeland is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More information about Minnesota courts is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch. State drug laws can also be reviewed through the Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.