POLK COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Jacob Gabriel Brunelle, a 28-year-old Grand Forks resident, waived his omnibus hearing on Thursday, June 6, in Polk County and pleaded not guilty to three drug-related charges. Brunelle is charged with conspiracy to commit a first-degree controlled substance sale, felony third-degree controlled substance sale, and misdemeanor fourth-degree driving while impaired by a Schedule I or II controlled substance. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.
The charges stem from an April 2022 investigation by a U.S. Border Patrol agent conducting surveillance at the Minnesota Heights Apartments in East Grand Forks. The agent was investigating fentanyl sales in the building and allegedly observed Brunelle purchasing fentanyl pills. During an interview with the East Grand Forks Police Department, Brunelle reportedly described himself as a “gatekeeper,” facilitating drug transactions and making bulk purchases to lower costs.
Brunelle’s pre-trial hearing is set for 9 a.m. on June 27.