Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man has been sentenced for a felony controlled substance charge following an arrest involving meth and an attempted escape from police.
Ricky Lee Jourdain, 47, was sentenced for a felony fifth-degree controlled substance conviction related to possession of methamphetamine.
Key Sentencing Details:
- Felony charge: Three-year stay of imposition with three years of supervised probation
- Given credit for eight days served in jail
- Required to complete a comprehensive drug assessment within 60 days
- Must complete all court-mandated drug treatment and aftercare
- Lifetime ban on firearms, ammunition, and explosives
- Mandatory DNA sample submission
- Ordered to pay $210 in court fines and fees
How Did the Arrest Happen?
October 4, 2023 – Jourdain was spotted exiting a driveway at 231 Tindolph Ave. N. while law enforcement was investigating a separate vehicle-related case.
Key Events:
- Officers recognized Jourdain and knew he did not have a valid driver’s license
- Jourdain sped off at a high rate of speed, turning onto Mussey Street near Ole Engelstad Park
- He entered an alleyway and parked in his yard in an attempt to evade police
- Upon arrest, officers found a meth pipe wrapped in bubble wrap
- Search of his vehicle uncovered:
- Plastic bag with white residue in the center console
- Bag containing a syringe with a clear liquid
- Both tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine
Additional Charge Dismissed:
- A third-degree controlled substance charge for possession of meth in a park zone was dismissed.
Why This Case Matters
Fifth-degree drug possession charges in Minnesota can lead to prison time High-speed attempts to flee law enforcement increase legal penalties Minnesota continues to see rising cases of meth-related offenses
What’s Next?
- Jourdain must complete probation and court-ordered treatment
- Failure to comply could result in a harsher sentence
- Authorities are monitoring repeat drug offenders in the area
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News