{"id":72002,"date":"2026-11-06T06:15:48","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T12:15:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/?p=72002"},"modified":"2026-11-06T06:37:13","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T12:37:13","slug":"thief-river-falls-man-faces-witness-threat-drug-charges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/thief-river-falls-man-faces-witness-threat-drug-charges\/","title":{"rendered":"Thief River Falls Man Faces Witness Threat, Drug Charges"},"content":{"rendered":"

THIEF RIVER FALLS, MN<\/strong> (trfnews.i234.me<\/a>) \u2013 A Thief River Falls man faces two felony charges after allegedly threatening someone he believed had provided information to police.<\/p>\n

Cody Lee Wendell, 34, is charged with felony witness tampering and fifth-degree controlled substance possession in Pennington County District Court.<\/p>\n

The charges follow an investigation into threatening messages and an October 29, 2026, arrest that led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine.<\/p>\n

Threatening Messages Spark Investigation<\/h2>\n

According to the criminal complaint, investigators received screenshots of threatening text messages on October 23.<\/p>\n

The messages allegedly came from Wendell and questioned whether the recipient had provided information about a crime.<\/p>\n

One message warned that people would learn where the recipient lived.<\/p>\n

During a recorded telephone conversation, Wendell allegedly accused the individual of informing on someone he knew.<\/p>\n

He also reportedly suggested there would be consequences if his suspicions were correct.<\/p>\n

The recipient later told investigators the statements were threatening and caused concern for his family’s safety.<\/p>\n

On October 29, the individual reported receiving another call from a restricted number. The caller allegedly said they knew his address.<\/p>\n

Police Arrest Wendell in Thief River Falls<\/h2>\n

Later that day, investigators spotted Wendell riding a longboard westbound on 8th Street near Davis Avenue.<\/p>\n

Officers stopped him near the Cenex convenience store and placed him under arrest.<\/p>\n

During a search, police reportedly discovered a small plastic bag containing a white crystalline substance.<\/p>\n

The bag was inside a black zippered container, along with money, cigarettes, and a small gold-colored bowl.<\/p>\n

Investigators said the substance tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine.<\/p>\n

The bag and its contents weighed approximately 4.4 grams, including the packaging.<\/p>\n

The complaint also references a previous controlled substance conviction from 2023.<\/p>\n

\"Cody<\/a>
Cody Lee Wendell<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Suspect Questioned About Alleged Threats<\/h2>\n

Following his arrest, Wendell was transported to the Pennington County Law Enforcement Center for questioning.<\/p>\n

According to the complaint, Wendell acknowledged making comments during the earlier conversation but disputed some of the reported statements.<\/p>\n

He reportedly acknowledged that his remarks could have been interpreted as threatening.<\/p>\n

Investigators also questioned Wendell about the suspected methamphetamine discovered during the search.<\/p>\n

He reportedly acknowledged the substance was likely methamphetamine.<\/p>\n

Two Felony Charges Filed<\/h2>\n

Wendell faces the following charges:<\/p>\n