Detroit Lakes Man Charged in Cocaine Case
DETROIT LAKES (trfnews.i234.me) — A Detroit Lakes man faces a felony drug charge after a traffic stop in Becker County.
Richard Lee Washington, 72, has been charged with third-degree drug possession.
The charge alleges Washington aided another person in possessing at least 10 grams of cocaine.
The case was filed in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District Court in Becker County.
Washington is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Investigation Began in Late 2025
According to the criminal complaint, investigators began examining suspected drug activity in late 2025.
The investigation involved Washington and Charles Hughes Sr.
The complaint states Washington was found with cocaine during two earlier incidents.
Authorities said laboratory testing identified about 6.4 grams of cocaine from a December 2025 seizure.
Testing also identified about 5.4 grams from a January 2026 seizure.
Washington later told investigators that he received cocaine from a person in the Twin Cities, the complaint states.
Vehicle Followed From Twin Cities
Investigators later obtained a warrant to track a cellphone linked to Hughes.
On May 19, 2026, tracking data showed the phone traveling toward Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Surveillance video reportedly showed Hughes carrying a black backpack.
He then entered a red Ford Escort registered to Washington, according to the complaint.
Richard Lee Washington
Law enforcement watched the vehicle return toward the Detroit Lakes area.
Officers stopped the Ford Escort on Highway 10 near Detroit Lakes.
Washington was driving, while Hughes was seated in the passenger area.
Washington told authorities that he had dropped Hughes off during the Twin Cities trip.
He said he went shopping while Hughes was away from the vehicle.
Washington also said the black backpack belonged to Hughes.
Backpack Allegedly Held Suspected Cocaine
A search warrant was carried out on the vehicle on May 20.
Authorities reported finding about 17 ounces of a substance inside the black backpack.
The substance produced a positive field test for cocaine, according to the complaint.
A field test is an early screening tool. Final laboratory results were not listed in the complaint.
Third-degree drug possession is a felony under Minnesota Statute 152.023.
The listed maximum penalty is 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
Case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch court records system.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.