Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) — On April 10, 2025, at approximately 12:22 p.m., a customer at Hugo’s Marketplace in Thief River Falls reported finding a baggie containing a crystal-like substance in the self-checkout change dispenser. Store staff contacted the police, who responded to the scene.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators allegedly showed Ricky Lee Jourdain, 47, of Thief River Falls, reaching into his sweatshirt pocket while paying for prune juice at the self-checkout. During the transaction, a baggie appeared to fall from his pocket into the change dispenser. Jourdain did not seem to notice and left the store.
The substance in the baggie tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine and weighed 0.6 grams in its original packaging. Due to Hugo’s proximity—within 300 feet—to Millyard Park, Jourdain has been charged with felony third-degree controlled substance crime for possession of methamphetamine in a park zone.
Investigators, along with Jourdain’s probation officer, later visited his residence. His mother reportedly informed them that he had gone to Hugo’s to purchase juice for her.
Did you know?
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In Minnesota, possessing controlled substances within a designated park zone can elevate the severity of drug charges, leading to more significant penalties.
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Third-degree controlled substance crimes in Minnesota encompass possession of certain amounts of narcotics, especially in sensitive areas like park zones.
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Surveillance footage plays a crucial role in modern investigations, providing visual evidence that can corroborate or refute witness statements.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.