POLK COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – An East Grand Forks man is facing serious felony drug charges after being caught with oxycodone and methamphetamine within a prohibited zone near local schools, heightening the penalties he faces. Richard Franklin Jackson, 54, was arrested after authorities found 14 10mg oxycodone pills and a pipe containing meth residue at his residence, which is located within a block of two East Grand Forks schools.
Jackson is charged with two counts of felony second-degree sale of a controlled substance in a prohibited zone. While the maximum sentence for these charges is 25 years, Minnesota’s sentencing guidelines suggest a prison term between four and nine years, depending on his prior criminal history.
Jackson made his first court appearance on Thursday, September 5, where the court ordered a chemical dependency evaluation. His next appearance is set for October 15 at 9 a.m. for an omnibus hearing. If convicted, the proximity to the schools could lead to enhanced penalties, making this a significant case under Minnesota drug laws.