East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — Derek Jacob Pederson, 35, of East Grand Forks, is facing felony and gross misdemeanor charges in Polk County District Court.
The charges follow a traffic stop on May 13, 2026, in East Grand Forks. According to the criminal complaint, Pederson was stopped while driving a black Chevrolet Silverado near the 1400 block of River Road Northwest.
Court documents say the stop happened near River Heights Park and the Greenway Recreational Area. Prosecutors allege the area is a protected park zone under Minnesota law.
Felony Drug Charge Filed
Pederson is charged with third-degree controlled substance crime. The charge alleges possession of methamphetamine in a prohibited zone.
Under Minnesota Statute 152.023, the charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. It also carries a possible $250,000 fine.
The complaint states that officers found a burnt straw with white crystal-like residue inside the vehicle. The residue allegedly field tested positive for methamphetamine.
Derek Jacob Pederson
DWI Counts Include Child Passenger Allegation
Pederson also faces two third-degree DWI charges. Both are gross misdemeanors under Minnesota law.
Prosecutors allege Pederson drove while under the influence of a controlled substance. They also allege his body contained methamphetamine or its metabolite.
The complaint says an eight-year-old child was inside the vehicle at the time. The child was more than 36 months younger than Pederson.
Under Minnesota Statute 169A.26, third-degree DWI can carry up to 364 days in jail. It can also carry a $3,000 fine.
License Restriction Charge Also Filed
Pederson is also charged with violating a restricted driver’s license. The complaint says his license was suspended on April 21, 2026.
Court records allege Pederson’s license had restrictions tied to alcohol or drug use. Prosecutors say any use of alcohol or controlled substances invalidated his license.
At the East Grand Forks Police Department, Pederson agreed to provide a urine sample. The complaint says the sample field tested positive for methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Pederson told law enforcement he had not used methamphetamine for about two months. He also allegedly said the straw was old drug paraphernalia.
The complaint also lists prior convictions in North Dakota and Minnesota. They include past DWI and controlled substance convictions.
Pederson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The case is filed in Polk County District Court under court file number 60-CR-26-656.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Polk county..smh