Thief River Falls Man Faces 4 Drug, Child Charges

Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man faces four charges following a drug investigation and search.

John Closner, 26, faces three felony drug charges and one gross misdemeanor child endangerment charge.

The case stems from an investigation conducted on August 6, 2026.

Prosecutors allege cocaine sales occurred inside Closner’s home before officers executed a search warrant.

Controlled Cocaine Purchase Alleged

The investigation began after another person was arrested in Polk County on suspicion of DWI.

Officers allegedly found about 3.5 grams of suspected cocaine inside that person’s vehicle.

The individual later agreed to work as a confidential informant, according to the criminal complaint.

Investigators say the informant identified Closner as the person who supplied the cocaine.

The informant later returned to Closner’s residence with $350 in recorded task force funds.

Prosecutors allege Closner accepted the money and provided another bag containing suspected cocaine.

A field test returned a presumptive positive result for cocaine.

Officers arrested Closner after he left the residence.

They then searched the home under a warrant.

Investigators allegedly found about 92.7 grams of suspected cocaine throughout the residence.

They also reported finding 33 suspected oxycodone tablets and 9.2 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms.

Some suspected cocaine was packaged in individual baggies, according to the complaint.

Two digital scales allegedly showed presumptive cocaine residue.

Officers also reported finding three firearms and $2,350 in cash.

The recorded buy money was allegedly found among the cash.

A loaded 9mm handgun was reportedly sitting unsecured on top of a gun safe.

An approximately 20-month-old child was inside the home during the search.

The child’s identity is being withheld.

Prosecutors allege the child was exposed to drug activity, paraphernalia, and an unsecured loaded firearm.

The home was also about 135 feet from Ole Engelstad Park, according to investigators.

Closner allegedly admitted cocaine was inside the home and acknowledged selling an eight-ball that day.

He also reportedly said the pills, firearms, and safes belonged to him.

Suspected controlled substances were sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for laboratory testing.

The complaint states the investigation remained ongoing when charges were filed.

The first-degree drug charge carries up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

Readers can review Minnesota Statute 152.021 for first-degree controlled substance offenses.

Child endangerment law appears under Minnesota Statute 609.378.

Additional court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.

Closner is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.