Aaron Joseph Michael Merck, 41, was arrested after officers responded to a reported domestic assault on October 24, 2026.<\/p>\n
The incident was reported around 10:50 p.m. in the 400 block of Red Lake Boulevard.<\/p>\n
According to the criminal complaint, officers discovered suspected drug paraphernalia in a home accessible to two teenage children.<\/p>\n
Domestic Dispute Leads to Drug Investigation<\/h2>\n
Police initially responded to a report of an ongoing domestic assault at the residence.<\/p>\n
A woman told investigators she and Merck had been arguing because he had been gone overnight.<\/p>\n
She said she did not know where he had been or what he was doing.<\/p>\n
During the dispute, the woman reported finding suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia in the basement.<\/p>\n
She expressed concern because Merck’s two teenage children could access the area.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, the woman described Merck as recovering from addiction.<\/p>\n
She also told police she had believed he was sober.<\/p>\n
Police Discover Methamphetamine and Used Syringes<\/h2>\n
Investigators questioned Merck about the suspected drugs and paraphernalia.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Merck acknowledged knowing that the baggies and other items were in the basement.<\/p>\n
He reportedly indicated that some items belonged to him, while others belonged to different people.<\/p>\n
The woman subsequently agreed to allow police to search the residence.<\/p>\n
During the search, officers allegedly discovered a glass pipe containing residue.<\/p>\n
Investigators also reported finding multiple baggies and several used syringes.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, some of the baggies tested positive for methamphetamine.<\/p>\n
Officers collected the baggies that tested positive and entered them into evidence.<\/p>\n
The report states that police disposed of the remaining baggies, glass pipe, and syringes.<\/p>\n Merck faces a felony charge involving methamphetamine-related crimes and children.<\/p>\n Under Minnesota Statute 152.137<\/a>, knowingly storing methamphetamine paraphernalia in certain locations where children may be present is prohibited.<\/p>\n The law includes residences where children live or may reasonably be expected to be present.<\/p>\n A conviction under this statute carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.<\/p>\n The offense also carries a possible fine of up to $10,000.<\/p>\n The complaint excerpt does not state that either teenager handled or consumed methamphetamine.<\/p>\n It also does not describe any injury or medical treatment involving the children.<\/p>\n The investigation began with a domestic assault report, but the supplied information identifies only the felony meth-related charge.<\/p>\n No separate domestic assault charge was identified in the available excerpt.<\/p>\n The information also does not include a court hearing date, bail amount, or case number.<\/p>\n The case falls within the jurisdiction of Pennington County District Court.<\/p>\n Readers can search available records through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n Additional court information is available through the Pennington County District Court<\/a> in Thief River Falls.<\/p>\n The felony allegation has not been established as proven in the provided records.<\/p>\n Merck is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n![\"Thief](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Aaron-Joseph-Michael-Merck-1024x576.png\")
<\/a>Felony Charge Involves Children’s Access to Drugs<\/h2>\n
Court Proceedings and Case Status<\/h2>\n