Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls woman is facing two felony charges after a traffic stop in Pennington County. Court records say a child was in the vehicle during the case.
Charges Filed In Pennington County
Jane Marie Drury, 69, has been charged in Pennington County District Court. The charges include a meth-related crime involving children and fifth-degree drug possession with a prior conviction.
According to the complaint, the case began on March 6, 2026. A vehicle was stopped on Westview Avenue in Thief River Falls. The driver was identified as Samantha Elizabeth Chaput. Drury was a front-seat passenger. A male toddler was in the back seat.
Investigators said they saw suspicious movement inside the vehicle before Chaput was asked to step out. After field sobriety testing, Chaput was arrested. Drury was later detained while the scene was handled.
What Investigators Said They Found
The complaint says a search of the vehicle turned up drug items in several places. Officers reported finding glass pipes, marijuana, THC vape products, pills, and containers with suspected substances.
Authorities also said they found a black bag linked to Drury. That bag reportedly held her Minnesota ID, marijuana, and a glass pipe with burnt residue. A field test on the pipe showed a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.
Investigators also reported finding a clear plastic bag with a crystal-like substance where Drury had been sitting. The complaint says that substance also tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine. It was listed at about 1.0 gram on an uncertified scale.
Child Presence Raises Serious Charge
One of the most serious claims in the complaint is that methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were stored within reach of a child. That claim led to the felony charge involving children.
The complaint also says another small container tied to the stop was later found near Chaput at the hospital. Investigators said that container also tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine.
Drury is charged, but not convicted. All criminal charges are allegations until proven in court.
Readers can review Minnesota law on meth-related crimes involving children and fifth-degree controlled substance crimes. Case information is also available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.