Cheyenne Renee Clifton, 38, is charged with felony methamphetamine possession and two gross-misdemeanor driving offenses.<\/p>\n
According to the criminal complaint, investigators discovered suspected methamphetamine and prescription pills concealed in Clifton’s clothing.<\/p>\n
The August 6, 2026, incident began after police observed Clifton driving despite having canceled driving privileges.<\/p>\n
Police Follow Vehicle Through East Grand Forks<\/h2>\n
According to court documents, officers observed Clifton driving a 2003 Ford Escape near Hugo’s grocery store.<\/p>\n
Investigators already knew her driving privileges had been canceled as inimical to public safety.<\/p>\n
Police watched Clifton leave the store, enter the driver’s seat, and drive away.<\/p>\n
Traffic initially prevented officers from following directly behind her vehicle.<\/p>\n
Another officer later located the Ford Escape traveling south on Central Avenue.<\/p>\n
The vehicle stopped in a parking lot at 304 Central Avenue Northwest.<\/p>\n
According to prosecutors, the location was within the designated school zone surrounding Sacred Heart School.<\/p>\n
Officers Report Signs of Possible Impairment<\/h2>\n
During the investigation, Clifton reportedly acknowledged taking pills and admitted knowing she did not have a valid driver’s license.<\/p>\n
Officers observed that Clifton appeared nervous and was visibly shaking.<\/p>\n
Police requested permission to search the vehicle.<\/p>\n
Clifton explained that the vehicle belonged to her husband and declined to authorize the search herself.<\/p>\n
Investigators contacted her husband, who gave permission to search the Ford Escape.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, officers conducted field sobriety testing.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Clifton had difficulty following instructions during the walk-and-turn and one-leg-stand tests.<\/p>\n
Officers subsequently arrested her on suspicion of impaired driving.<\/p>\n
Three Baggies Allegedly Found in Clothing<\/h2>\n
Following her arrest, Clifton reportedly told officers she had something concealed inside her bra.<\/p>\n
Authorities transported her to the East Grand Forks Police Department for a search by a female probation agent.<\/p>\n
During that search, investigators allegedly discovered three small baggies.<\/p>\n
One contained three green pills later identified as oxycodone.<\/p>\n
Another contained a small amount of suspected methamphetamine, while the third was empty.<\/p>\n
Clifton also provided a urine sample for testing.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, an on-site test was positive for methamphetamine, oxycodone, and THC.<\/p>\n
The supplied complaint does not identify a separate laboratory confirmation of those screening results.<\/p>\n Prosecutors allege Clifton possessed methamphetamine within the legally defined zone surrounding Sacred Heart School.<\/p>\n Under Minnesota Statute 152.023<\/a>, possessing certain controlled substances within a school zone can constitute a third-degree felony.<\/p>\n The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.<\/p>\n The complaint does not allege that Clifton sold drugs or interacted with students.<\/p>\n Prosecutors also charged Clifton with third-degree DWI involving a Schedule I or II controlled substance.<\/p>\n Her January 27, 2021, DWI conviction was cited as an aggravating factor.<\/p>\n The third charge involves driving after cancellation of her license as inimical to public safety.<\/p>\n According to the complaint, her driving privileges were canceled in February 2021.<\/p>\n Both driving offenses are classified as gross misdemeanors.<\/p>\n Each carries up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.<\/p>\n The charges are filed in Polk County District Court under case number 60-CR-26-1503<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The supplied complaint does not establish a conviction, sentence, or final case outcome.<\/p>\n Readers can check public filings through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n Additional information about impaired driving is available under Minnesota Statute 169A.20<\/a>.<\/p>\n Clifton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n![\"East](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Cheyenne-Renee-Clifton-1024x576.png\")
<\/a>Felony Drug Charge Involves School Zone<\/h2>\n
Previous DWI Conviction Cited<\/h2>\n
Polk County Court Case<\/h2>\n