Walker Woman Charged After Meth Found in Purse

WALKER, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Maryhelen Inez Ryckman faces two charges after a July 30 traffic stop in Cass County.

A court complaint charges Ryckman with fifth-degree drug possession, a felony.

She also faces driving after cancellation, which is a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota law.

Traffic Stop on Highway 371

The complaint says a Walker police officer saw Ryckman driving a red vehicle on Highway 371.

The officer recognized Ryckman and believed her license had been canceled for public safety reasons.

Police stopped the vehicle and spoke with her.

Ryckman reportedly said the vehicle was rented. She also said she did not have proof of insurance.

Ryckman was arrested for driving after cancellation.

She was then taken to the Cass County Detention Center.

The complaint does not describe a crash, injuries, or a police pursuit.

Maryhelen Inez Ryckman booking photo. Source: Cass County.

During a search at the jail, staff found a plastic bag inside Ryckman’s purse, the complaint states.

Authorities also reported finding a glass smoking pipe with residue.

The bag contained about 5.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine, including the bag’s weight.

A field test reportedly returned a positive result for methamphetamine.

The complaint identifies methamphetamine as a Schedule II controlled substance.

State records later confirmed Ryckman’s driving privileges were canceled as inimical to public safety.

Prosecutors allege Ryckman knew, or had reason to know, that her driving privileges were canceled.

The felony drug charge carries a maximum sentence of five years.

It also carries a possible $10,000 fine, or both penalties.

The driving charge carries up to 364 days in jail.

It also carries a possible $3,000 fine, or both penalties.

The drug charge was filed under Minnesota Statute 152.025.

The driving charge was filed under Minnesota Statute 171.24.

The case is filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The court file number is 11-CR-26-1115.

Public court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

The complaint is a statement of allegations submitted by prosecutors.

It is not a finding of guilt.

Court proceedings will determine whether the evidence supports the charges.

A judge may also consider release conditions and future hearing dates.

Ryckman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.