Newfolden Man Sentenced for Meth & DWI Charges in Thief River Falls

Justin Ross Underdahl
Justin Ross Underdahl

Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A Newfolden man faces legal consequences after being caught with meth and driving under the influence.
Justin Ross Underdahl, 43, was sentenced for a felony fifth-degree controlled substance crime and a misdemeanor fourth-degree DWI involving a Schedule I or II substance.

📌 Key Details of Sentencing:

  • Felony charge: Three-year stay of imposition, with three years of supervised probation
  • DWI charge: 90-day jail sentence stayed for two years, with two years of supervised probation
  • Firearms ban for life
  • Required to submit a DNA sample
  • Ordered to complete a chemical dependency assessment and recommended treatment
  • $210 in court fines

🚔 How the Arrest Happened

📅 April 27, 2023 – A traffic stop near Sixth Street and Duluth Avenue in Thief River Falls led to the arrest.

🔎 Key Observations by Police:

  • Underdahl appeared nervous and was shaking
  • Showed signs of impairment including body tremors, changing moods, and rigid muscle tone
  • Failed field sobriety tests

📌 Search Warrant Results:

  • 1.86 grams of meth found in a cigarette box near the driver’s seat
  • 10 grams of marijuana found under the front seat
  • One-hitter pipe and a container with suspected marijuana

⚖️ Why This Case Matters

✅ Ongoing crackdowns on drug-related offenses in Pennington County
✅ Stronger penalties for DWI involving controlled substances
✅ Use of field sobriety tests and search warrants to gather evidence


🚨 What’s Next?

  • Underdahl must complete drug treatment and supervised probation
  • Additional penalties possible if probation is violated
  • Authorities continue to investigate drug-related activities in the area

🔗 I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News

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