Thief River Falls Man Charged in Meth Case

Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man is facing felony charges after investigators say a search of his home and vehicle uncovered items connected to an alleged methamphetamine operation.

Felony Charges Filed

Travis Bruce Johnson, 27, of Thief River Falls, has been charged in Pennington County District Court with possession of substances with intent to manufacture methamphetamine.

Johnson also faces a second felony charge for allegedly storing chemical substances in a multiple-unit residential building where children or vulnerable people could be present.

The charges stem from an investigation involving Johnson’s residence and vehicle on July 7, 2026. The allegations are contained in a criminal complaint filed in court. A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt.

Search Finds Multiple Items

According to the complaint, investigators said they located numerous chemicals and other items during a search of Johnson’s home, vehicle, and garage.

The complaint states that officers found fuel containers, batteries, solvents, alcohol, lye, acids, and other chemical products. Investigators said several of the items could be used in methamphetamine production when combined.

The search also reportedly found a glass pipe and digital scale. The complaint states that field tests showed possible methamphetamine residue on both items.

Mugshot of Travis Bruce Johnson

Investigation Details

The complaint states that investigators became aware of Johnson after information was received about possible methamphetamine-related materials.

Investigators reviewed Walmart surveillance video that allegedly showed Johnson purchasing a drain cleaner product. The complaint states Johnson paid with cash during the purchase.

Authorities later obtained a search warrant for Johnson’s residence, vehicle, and person.

The complaint states that investigators also found ammunition, notebooks, phones, and other personal items during the search.

Court Case Continues

The charge of possession with intent to manufacture methamphetamine carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

The charge involving stored chemical substances carries a possible sentence of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Court records show Johnson has previous convictions listed in the complaint, including drug-related offenses, a motor vehicle offense, and driving-related charges.

Johnson remains accused of the charges. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

More information about Minnesota court records can be found through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.