Thief River Falls Man Charged After Meth Found in Home

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man faces a felony methamphetamine-related charge involving children following a police investigation.

Aaron Joseph Michael Merck, 41, was arrested after officers responded to a reported domestic assault on October 24, 2026.

The incident was reported around 10:50 p.m. in the 400 block of Red Lake Boulevard.

According to the criminal complaint, officers discovered suspected drug paraphernalia in a home accessible to two teenage children.

Domestic Dispute Leads to Drug Investigation

Police initially responded to a report of an ongoing domestic assault at the residence.

A woman told investigators she and Merck had been arguing because he had been gone overnight.

She said she did not know where he had been or what he was doing.

During the dispute, the woman reported finding suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia in the basement.

She expressed concern because Merck’s two teenage children could access the area.

According to the complaint, the woman described Merck as recovering from addiction.

She also told police she had believed he was sober.

Police Discover Methamphetamine and Used Syringes

Investigators questioned Merck about the suspected drugs and paraphernalia.

According to the complaint, Merck acknowledged knowing that the baggies and other items were in the basement.

He reportedly indicated that some items belonged to him, while others belonged to different people.

The woman subsequently agreed to allow police to search the residence.

During the search, officers allegedly discovered a glass pipe containing residue.

Investigators also reported finding multiple baggies and several used syringes.

According to the complaint, some of the baggies tested positive for methamphetamine.

Officers collected the baggies that tested positive and entered them into evidence.

The report states that police disposed of the remaining baggies, glass pipe, and syringes.

Thief River Falls Man Charged After Meth Found in Home

Felony Charge Involves Children’s Access to Drugs

Merck faces a felony charge involving methamphetamine-related crimes and children.

Under Minnesota Statute 152.137, knowingly storing methamphetamine paraphernalia in certain locations where children may be present is prohibited.

The law includes residences where children live or may reasonably be expected to be present.

A conviction under this statute carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The offense also carries a possible fine of up to $10,000.

The complaint excerpt does not state that either teenager handled or consumed methamphetamine.

It also does not describe any injury or medical treatment involving the children.

Court Proceedings and Case Status

The investigation began with a domestic assault report, but the supplied information identifies only the felony meth-related charge.

No separate domestic assault charge was identified in the available excerpt.

The information also does not include a court hearing date, bail amount, or case number.

The case falls within the jurisdiction of Pennington County District Court.

Readers can search available records through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Additional court information is available through the Pennington County District Court in Thief River Falls.

The felony allegation has not been established as proven in the provided records.

Merck is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.