Ponsford Man Charged in Meth Sale Case

PONSFORD, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Ponsford man faces two felony drug charges in Becker County.

William Lawrence Butcher Sr., 64, is charged with third-degree drug sale and fifth-degree drug possession.

The charges were filed in Becker County District Court under case number 03-CR-26-963.

The complaint alleges Butcher possessed methamphetamine with intent to sell. It also alleges he possessed methamphetamine.

Search Warrant Executed

Drug task force agents searched a residence on Amik Avenue on February 9, 2026.

According to the complaint, agents found a red coin purse inside a couch.

The purse allegedly held a white crystal substance and several small plastic bags.

Agents also found another container with a white crystal substance near the kitchen sink.

William Lawrence Butcher Sr.

Investigators searched a locked closet in the middle bedroom.

The complaint says they found unused blue, green, and red micro baggies.

They also reported finding a wallet containing $1,700 in cash.

Drug paraphernalia was allegedly found in several areas of the residence.

Investigators said the methamphetamine, cash, and packaging suggested possible drug sales.

Butcher told investigators he had lived at the residence for about seven months.

He said the middle bedroom was his. He also said he controlled the locked closet.

Butcher said the packaging and cash came from beadwork.

He denied owning the drugs. He also said he did not know who owned them.

A witness told investigators several people had visited the previous night.

The witness also alleged Butcher sold small amounts of drugs for $20.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension tested the substance from the red purse.

The complaint says testing showed about six grams of methamphetamine.

Preliminary DNA testing also linked Butcher to the purse, according to the complaint.

Confirmatory DNA testing was still pending when the complaint was filed.

Third-degree drug sale carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The charge also carries a possible fine of up to $250,000.

Fifth-degree possession carries up to five years in prison.

That charge also carries a possible fine of up to $10,000.

Readers can review the charges through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.

The fifth-degree possession law is available under Minnesota Statute 152.025.

All charges are allegations. Butcher is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.