According to court records, 31-year-old Chais William Leach is charged with third-degree controlled substance crime. Prosecutors allege he possessed methamphetamine within a prohibited zone near Hoven Lane Park in Crookston. Possession in a school, park, or housing zone carries enhanced penalties under Minnesota law.
Leach also faces gross misdemeanor charges for refusing to comply with a search warrant for a chemical test. In addition, prosecutors filed misdemeanor theft charges after investigators say he stole metal from Ace Hardware and patio chairs from I.C. Mugg’s, each valued under $500. A fifth charge accuses him of obstructing police during his arrest.
Police say they responded to reports of a man in black clothing loading items into a pickup. When officers located Leach, they reported finding a meth pipe with residue that tested positive. He allegedly resisted arrest and made threatening remarks toward officers.
Business owners confirmed the items in their truck were taken without permission. Officers obtained a warrant to collect a blood or urine sample, but Leach allegedly refused to comply. He was then transported to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center in Crookston.
Court documents note Leach has a lengthy criminal history in both Minnesota and North Dakota, including convictions for neglect of a vulnerable adult, trespass, disorderly conduct, and driving offenses. He also faces pending charges in other Polk County cases and has an active warrant in Grand Forks.
If convicted of the felony drug charge, Leach faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The theft and obstruction charges each carry maximum penalties of 90 days in jail and $1,000 fines.
For more information on Minnesota’s drug laws, visit the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
