Thief River Falls: John Closner Faces Felony Drug Charge

Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — John Closner was booked into the Pennington County Jail on August 6, 2026.

Jail records list a first-degree controlled substance possession charge against Closner. The charge is classified as a felony.

The listed offense alleges possession of 50 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine. The case is assigned to District Court.

Charge Filed Under Minnesota Drug Law

The booking record cites Minnesota Statute 152.021, subdivision 2(a)(1). That law covers first-degree controlled substance possession.

Under the statute, the charge can apply to 50 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine. The law refers to total mixture weight.

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

The jail listing did not show a court date in the information provided. It also listed a bail or fine amount of $0.00.

Booking photo: Pennington County Jail

A jail booking does not establish guilt. Criminal charges are allegations until they are resolved in court.

Closner will have the opportunity to respond to the charge through the court process. Future court dates may be added later.

The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office operates the county correctional facility in Thief River Falls.

Jail information is available through the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.

The available booking entry identifies the court branch as District Court. No additional charge was listed in the provided record.

TRF News will continue following public court records for significant updates.

Those updates may include hearings, amended charges, or a final resolution of the case.

Anyone reviewing a booking record should remember that an arrest is not a conviction.

Court filings provide the formal record of the case. Charges can also change as a case moves through court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.