Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) Cody Joe Johnson, 40, of rural Lake Park, has been charged in Becker County District Court. Lucas Jerome Gage, 35, of Frazee, is charged in the same case.
Charges filed
- Johnson: felony first-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated controlled substance crime.
- Gage: felony third-degree drugs, aiding and abetting sale.
- Gage: fifth-degree drugs, aiding and abetting.
- Gage: felony DWI.
How the case started
Court records say the West Central Minnesota Drug and Violent Crime Task Force began investigating in 2025. An agent reviewed jail calls between Johnson and his girlfriend. She was in the Becker County Jail at the time.
In a call dated April 21, 2025, Johnson allegedly discussed a trip to Michigan. Records say he talked about selling “bags” to raise money for bail. In a call the next day, records say he mentioned “purple” drugs. Investigators said that the reference involved fentanyl.
Controlled buy and planned trips
Court records describe a controlled buy on June 13, 2025. A confidential informant bought about 8.7 grams of methamphetamine from Johnson, records say.
Records also describe an April 18, 2025, attempt to buy more meth. Investigators say Johnson asked for $500 to travel to the Twin Cities for supplies. Records say Johnson told the informant that Gage would drive him.
Traffic stop on Highway 59
On July 1, a trooper stopped a Dodge Ram pickup on Highway 59, court records say. The stop was north of 100th Street in Becker County. The trooper reported hearing something thrown from the truck window.
Records indicate a silver container was found in the ditch, containing white powder and a needle. A lab later found about 2.7 grams containing fentanyl, according to court records.
Gage was arrested for DWI after field tests, according to the complaint. Records say a search found what looked like a meth pipe in his pocket. A blood test later showed amphetamine and methamphetamine, records say.
What Johnson told investigators
Court records say Johnson told a trooper the group drove to Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. He said he and his girlfriend bought six or seven grams of fentanyl, records say. He also said they bought meth from another source.
Records say Johnson told investigators his girlfriend threw drugs from the truck before the stop. Agents also reviewed money transfers on Johnson’s phone, according to records. Records say he acknowledged selling to about a dozen customers in Becker County.
Witness account and prior record
Court records also cite a witness interview dated July 9, 2026. The witness said Johnson sold meth from a Becker County home early in 2025.
Court records note that both men have a prior federal drug conspiracy conviction. Prosecutors list those convictions as aggravating factors in the new case.
Next steps and public resources
A warrant for Johnson was issued on Jan. 15, according to court records. Gage’s first court appearance is set for March 5 before District Judge Michael D. Fritz.
All charges are allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Related resources: Minnesota Court Records Online, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, MN drug statutes, MN DWI statute.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.