Crookston Woman Charged with Meth Possession Near School
CROOKSTON, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Crookston woman is facing a felony drug charge after investigators say she possessed methamphetamine within a school zone.
According to court documents, Kayla Maria Balderston, 30, has been charged in Polk County District Court with third-degree controlled substance crime – possession in a prohibited zone. Prosecutors allege that she had methamphetamine within one block of Highland Elementary School in Crookston on September 1, 2025.
The case began when Crookston Police investigated a theft report at Ace Hardware and I.C. Mugg’s. Officers arrested a man identified as Chais William Leach, who was found with a meth pipe and was later determined to be Balderston’s boyfriend. During the investigation, officers learned that Balderston was on probation for a prior drug conviction.
Authorities say Balderston admitted to smoking meth with Leach over the weekend before his arrest. Officers also located a digital scale in her apartment containing residue that tested positive for methamphetamine. Her residence, located at 903 Barrette Street, sits directly across from Highland Elementary School, putting it within a prohibited zone under Minnesota law.
A field test of Balderston’s urine was also positive for methamphetamine, according to the complaint. The case remains under review by the Polk County Attorney’s Office.
If convicted, Balderston faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The charge stems from Minnesota’s strict drug-free zone law, which enhances penalties for drug offenses occurring near schools or parks. More details on Minnesota’s drug laws can be found at the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
