POLK COUNTY, Mn (trfnews.i234.me) – An East Grand Forks man, Stephen Todd Pederson, 58, is facing serious drug charges after pleading not guilty to second-degree methamphetamine sales during his Thursday, Sept. 5 court appearance. Pederson, who was on pretrial release for previous criminal cases, is accused of failing to attend a required urine test on June 6, according to court documents.
Authorities tracked down Pederson, who provided a sample that tested positive for methamphetamine. According to the probable cause statement, Pederson admitted to using the drug.
A subsequent search of Pederson’s residence revealed approximately 11.4 grams of methamphetamine, along with a digital scale, cash, and several baggies containing methamphetamine and unused baggies. Pederson was arrested and charged with selling 10 grams or more of methamphetamine within a 90-day period, a crime that could carry a maximum sentence of 25 years.
Although the charge comes with the potential for a lengthy prison term, Minnesota’s state sentencing guidelines suggest a sentence ranging from four to nine years, depending on Pederson’s criminal history.
Pederson’s next court appearance, a pre-trial hearing, is set for 9 a.m. on Nov. 7, where he will continue to fight the serious allegations against him.