Cass Lake<\/strong> (trfnews.i234.me<\/a>) \u2014 A Cass Lake man faces two felony drug charges after a search of a residence.<\/p>\n Earl Douglas Norton Jr. is charged with fourth-degree drug sale and fifth-degree controlled substance possession.<\/p>\n The case involves fentanyl and methamphetamine, according to the criminal complaint.<\/p>\n The complaint lists the alleged offense date as July 13, 2023.<\/p>\n Authorities executed a search warrant at a Cass Lake property on July 14, 2023.<\/p>\n The warrant covered a mobile home and detached garage, according to court records.<\/p>\n Norton opened the door after investigators announced they had a search warrant.<\/p>\n Authorities reported finding several items of suspected drug paraphernalia inside the mobile home.<\/p>\n Investigators also found several folded foil packets near a television area.<\/p>\n One packet contained a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine.<\/p>\n Three other packets contained a purple-colored powder, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n Investigators interviewed Norton after advising him of his rights.<\/p>\n The complaint says Norton identified the purple substance as fentanyl.<\/p>\n He allegedly told investigators he had been selling fentanyl for at least two months.<\/p>\n Norton reportedly said he sold fentanyl to help pay for groceries and household expenses.<\/p>\n The complaint also says Norton acknowledged that methamphetamine inside the residence was for personal use.<\/p>\n Those statements are allegations contained in the filed criminal complaint.<\/p>\n The seized substances were later submitted for laboratory testing.<\/p>\n A Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension report was received in November 2024.<\/p>\n The report confirmed one packet contained 0.326 grams of methamphetamine, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n Three other packets contained fentanyl and weighed 0.49 grams combined with packaging.<\/p>\n Prosecutors later charged Norton with fourth-degree sale of a controlled substance.<\/p>\n The complaint lists a maximum penalty of 15 years and a possible $100,000 fine.<\/p>\n The fifth-degree possession charge carries up to five years and a possible $10,000 fine.<\/p>\n Readers can review Minnesota’s fourth-degree controlled substance statute<\/a>.<\/p>\n The state’s fifth-degree controlled substance statute<\/a> is also available online.<\/p>\n Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The case is filed under Cass County court file number 11-CR-25-141.<\/p>\n The charges and supporting statements are allegations and do not establish guilt.<\/p>\n Norton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.<\/p>\nSearch Warrant Executed in Cass Lake<\/h2>\n
Norton Allegedly Discusses Fentanyl Sales<\/h2>\n
Lab Testing Confirms Drugs<\/h2>\n