Polk County (trfnews.i234.me) – A Grand Forks man already sentenced to prison in North Dakota earlier this year is now facing a fresh set of serious drug charges across the river in Polk County.
Robert Barrett Yahnke, 61, appeared in Polk County court on Thursday, May 1, facing a staggering nine felony counts. The charges include first-degree sale of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit a first-degree sale, second-degree sale of a controlled substance in a prohibited zone, three counts of first-degree sale with aggravating factors, and three counts of illegal cannabis and controlled substance taxation.
The most serious offenses carry maximum penalties of 30 years in prison. However, under Minnesota state sentencing guidelines, Yahnke could realistically be looking at anywhere from 56 to 150 months, depending on his criminal history.
According to the probable cause statement, between April and June 2024, Yahnke allegedly sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant and an undercover task force officer on six separate occasions. Authorities say the total meth sold during these operations exceeded 130 grams — about 4.5 ounces.
When law enforcement apprehended Yahnke on June 10, 2024, they reportedly found another 96 grams of methamphetamine in his possession. During questioning, Yahnke allegedly pointed the finger at Blayne Evan Saiger, who is himself facing serious charges in both Grand Forks County and Polk County, accusing Saiger of supplying the drugs.
This isn’t Yahnke’s first rodeo: he was previously sentenced to 10 years in prison earlier this year after pleading guilty to multiple North Dakota felony charges related to methamphetamine distribution.
Yahnke’s next scheduled appearance in Polk County court is an omnibus hearing set for 9 a.m. on May 22.
Did you know?
In Minnesota, a first-degree controlled substance sale involving more than 50 grams of methamphetamine automatically qualifies for enhanced penalties, especially when aggravating factors like sales near schools or parks are present.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.