East Grand Forks, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — On March 19, 2025, Simone Margaret White, 26, was arrested in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, for possession of fentanyl within a designated drug-free zone near Itts Williams Park. This area is protected under Minnesota law, which imposes stricter penalties for drug offenses committed near schools, parks, and other specified zones.
Corporal Ryan Douglas of the East Grand Forks Police Department observed White walking with a male companion, identified as Derek Jacob Pederson, near the 400 block of 15th St. NE. Recognizing White from a recent warrant issued in Grand Forks County, North Dakota, for a probation violation involving fentanyl, Cpl. Douglas approached the pair.
Upon confirming her identity, White was found to have two oval pills in her pocket, which she identified as Gabapentin—a prescription-only medication. Additionally, a rolled-up piece of paper containing residue tested positive for fentanyl. White admitted to using the paper to smoke fentanyl and acknowledged a recent overdose on March 14, 2025, in Grand Forks.
A subsequent urine test confirmed the presence of fentanyl and methamphetamine in her system. White has a prior conviction for possession of fentanyl in Grand Forks County on July 11, 2024, and a history of related offenses.
She now faces a third-degree felony charge for possession of a controlled substance within a prohibited zone, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
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Case Facts:
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Case Title: State of Minnesota vs. Simone Margaret White
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Court File No.: 60-CR-25-423
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Prosecutor File No.: F-25-055
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Offense: Controlled Substance Crime in the Third Degree – Possession Within a Prohibited Zone (Fentanyl)
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Statute: Minnesota Statute 152.023.2(a)(4)
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Maximum Sentence: 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both
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Offense Date: March 19, 2025
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Location: East Grand Forks, Polk County, Minnesota
White’s arrest highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating drug offenses, especially those occurring near areas frequented by the public, such as parks and schools.