Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) A Thief River Falls Woman was sentenced on a felony charge of storing meth paraphernalia in the presence of a child. She was also sentenced on a gross misdemeanor charge of contributing to the need for protection or services.
Jessica Lynn Maunz, 30, of Thief River Falls, has been sentenced in a case tied to meth paraphernalia found near a toddler, according to court records and the criminal complaint.
What The Court Ordered
On the felony count, Maunz received a 12-month-and-one-day prison sentence. That sentence was stayed for three years. She was placed on supervised probation for three years.
She must follow the conditions of her Child in Need of Protection or Services case. She must also complete a diagnostic assessment and chemical dependency evaluation or treatment.
Maunz cannot use or possess firearms, ammunition, or explosives while on probation. She must provide a DNA sample. She was also ordered to pay $210 in fees and fines.
On the gross misdemeanor count, Maunz received a 364-day jail sentence. That sentence was stayed for two years. She was given credit for eight days already served. She must complete supervised probation for two years and pay a $50 fine.
What Investigators Found
According to the complaint, the case began on Jan. 21. A toddler’s grandfather contacted authorities after receiving a video. The video showed the child near suspected meth paraphernalia.
The complaint said the video showed a white powdery substance on a table. It also showed a glass pipe with burn marks. Maunz was then seen changing her daughter on the floor.
The grandfather said the video was taken inside Maunz’s home. He believed only Maunz and the toddler lived there. He also said he had been told the child was often around drugs, including meth.
Authorities later executed a search warrant at Maunz’s home on Alice Drive. According to the complaint, Maunz handed over a meth pipe from a children’s shoe bin. A pacifier was also inside that bin.
Investigators also found broken meth pipes in the living room. The complaint said they were under furniture and inside an open baby wipes box. The items tested presumptive positive for meth. The complaint said they were within a toddler’s reach.
Statement In The Case
In a statement to law enforcement, Maunz said she had used meth for six to eight months. She said she knew about the video. She said she usually smoked in the garage. She also said she sometimes smoked in the living room when the toddler was upstairs asleep.
The search also turned up a can of Zep Smoke Odor Eliminator.
Readers can review public Minnesota court records through Minnesota Court Records Online. Information about child protection services is available through the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.