Nicole Marie Kruse has been charged in Cass County District Court. The charges include fifth-degree drug possession, improper vehicle registration, and driving an uninsured vehicle.<\/p>\n
The allegations are listed in a criminal complaint filed in Minnesota\u2019s Ninth Judicial District. Kruse is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n
License Plate Reportedly Belonged to Another Vehicle<\/h2>\n
According to the complaint, a Cass County deputy saw a red GMC Sierra traveling north on Aspen Avenue.<\/p>\n
The truck was near Leech Lake Market when the deputy checked its license plate.<\/p>\n
Records allegedly showed the plate belonged to a green 2008 Ford Explorer. The deputy then stopped the truck.<\/p>\n
Kruse was identified as the driver, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
She allegedly told the deputy she did not know about the license plate problem. She also said the truck had no insurance or vehicle paperwork.<\/p>\n
A check of the vehicle identification number showed a different plate was assigned to the truck. That registration had reportedly expired in November 2025.<\/p>\n
Container Allegedly Held Methamphetamine<\/h2>\n
The truck was ordered to be towed because of the registration and insurance issues.<\/p>\n
![\"Nicole](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kruse-Nicole-Marie.png\")
Nicole Marie Kruse<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAn inventory search was conducted before the vehicle was removed.<\/p>\n
During that search, the deputy allegedly found a green and white contact lens container.<\/p>\n
The container was wedged between the driver\u2019s seat and the middle bench seat.<\/p>\n
The deputy heard something rattling inside and opened the container, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
Investigators reported finding a substance believed to be methamphetamine.<\/p>\n
The substance weighed about 0.23 grams. It also produced a positive field test for methamphetamine, the complaint states.<\/p>\n
Three Charges Filed in Cass County<\/h2>\n
The fifth-degree drug charge is a gross misdemeanor. It carries a possible sentence of 364 days in jail.<\/p>\n
The maximum fine is $3,000 under Minnesota Statute 152.025<\/a>.<\/p>\n The registration and insurance charges are misdemeanors. Each carries a possible 90-day jail sentence and a $1,000 fine.<\/p>\n Case information and future hearings may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch<\/a>.<\/p>\n The complaint contains allegations supporting the charges. It does not represent a finding of guilt.<\/p>\n