Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) — Michael Allen Powell, 47, of Thief River Falls, faces two felony charges. The case is filed in Pennington County District Court.
Charges filed
Powell is charged with Failure to Register as a Predatory Offender. The charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 243.166.
He is also charged with Third-Degree Drug Possession in a School Zone. The charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 152.023.
What investigators reported
According to the criminal complaint, investigators went to an apartment complex on January 26, 2026. They were serving an arrest warrant for Powell.
The warrant was tied to a missed court appearance in a prior registration case. The complaint says Powell failed to appear for arraignment.
Investigators reportedly saw Powell exiting an elevator. They arrested him inside the building.
Items found during the arrest
During a search, officers say they found a yellow sunglasses case on Powell. The case allegedly held a glass pipe with burn residue.
The pipe reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine. The complaint says the building is within 300 feet of a school zone.
Statement after arrest
Powell was taken to the Law Enforcement Center, the complaint says. He later gave a Miranda statement.
He allegedly said the pipe belonged to him. He also allegedly said he relapsed.
Powell reportedly said he used meth daily since mid-November. The complaint also mentions a new cell phone.
Investigators say he got the phone about two weeks earlier. They say he did not update his registration details.
Court appearance and bail
Court records show an initial appearance on January 28, 2026. Judge Tamara Yon set bail.
- $10,000 cash without conditions.
- $500 cash with conditions.
- $100,000 non-cash bond without conditions.
- $5,000 non-cash bond with conditions.
Case timeline
The alleged offense date is January 26, 2026. The case was filed on January 28, 2026.
What to know
Charges are allegations in a criminal complaint. Powell is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Related links
- Minnesota Statute 243.166
- Minnesota Statute 152.023
- Minnesota Court Records Search
- Minnesota Department of Corrections
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.