East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — James Arthur Cooper faces new criminal charges in Polk County. A court complaint says the case began on March 10, 2026.
Cooper, 61, is charged with third-degree controlled substance possession in a prohibited zone. He is also charged with third-degree driving while impaired. The drug charge is a felony. The impaired driving count is a gross misdemeanor.
Charges Filed In Polk County
According to the complaint, Cooper drove to a probation appointment in East Grand Forks. The filing says he then tested positive for methamphetamine. The complaint also says he was taken into custody on an apprehension and detention order.
Investigators say Cooper later spoke with officers after a Miranda warning. The complaint says he admitted using meth over the weekend. It also says he admitted driving to the probation office that day.
The filing says Cooper consented to searches of his apartment, vehicle, and phone. Investigators then searched his apartment on 3rd Street Northwest. The complaint says the apartment sits within a prohibited zone near Sacred Heart School.
What Investigators Say They Found
According to the complaint, investigators found a glass pipe with residue under a television. They also found a baggie with a white crystal-like substance. A red straw and black spoon were also listed.
The complaint says officers found a black scale in a green bag. Court records say the suspected methamphetamine and pipe tested positive in field tests. The complaint lists the substance weight at 0.6 grams.
Prosecutors allege Cooper unlawfully possessed methamphetamine near the school zone. They also allege he drove while methamphetamine, or its metabolite, was in his body. The complaint says an aggravating factor applies because of a prior DWI conviction in 2020.
Prior Record And Next Step
The filing also points to earlier drug convictions in Polk County. It says Cooper is currently on parole in an older case. The complaint references a Minnesota Department of Corrections page listing parole through July 9, 2026.
On March 11, 2026, a probation agent told investigators a warrant had been issued. The complaint also says Cooper may have a criminal history score of five. Prosecutors also gave notice that they may seek an aggravated sentence.
The complaint cites Minnesota Statute 152.023 and Minnesota Statute 169A.20. Public records can be checked through Minnesota Court Records Online and the Minnesota DOC public records page.
All charges in the complaint are allegations. Cooper is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
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