Grand Forks Man Faces Multiple Felony Charges After Allegedly Selling Over 130 Grams of Meth in Sting Operations

GRAND FORKS — A 61-year-old Grand Forks man, Robert Barrett Yahnke, is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly selling a total of 137.8 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover agent and a confidential informant across five separate occasions, according to an affidavit filed in the case.

Yahnke is charged with two Class A felonies: delivery of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, both of which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Additionally, he faces four Class B felony charges for possession with intent to deliver and methamphetamine delivery.

The investigation, led by the Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force and the Pine to Prairie Task Force, began on April 23 and documented Yahnke’s methamphetamine transactions in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. Between April 23 and May 31, Yahnke allegedly sold meth on five occasions, with the transactions totaling approximately 137.8 grams, or 0.3 pounds.

The controlled buys ranged in quantity, with one involving 60.9 grams on May 31 in Grand Forks. Law enforcement also documented Yahnke transporting methamphetamine between Grand Forks and East Grand Forks for smaller sales during this period.

On June 10, Yahnke was stopped by law enforcement, during which officers found 96 grams of methamphetamine in his possession, separated into three bags.

Yahnke made his initial court appearance on Friday, September 13, where his bond was set at $40,000 cash or surety. His next court appearance, a preliminary hearing and arraignment, is scheduled for 9 a.m. on October 21.

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