STORDEN — A Windom resident was arrested over the weekend for drug possession when a Cottonwood County deputy noticed drugs out in the open during a traffic stop.
Jesse Kerkaert, 30, was pulled over because his taillights were out. During the traffic stop, the deputy shined his flashlight into the vehicle and could allegedly see a container of marijuana in the back seat. The discovery constituted probable cause and allowed the deputy to conduct a search of the vehicle, during which he found the following:
- A digital scale with plastic baggies
- A grinder with particles of marijuana on it
- A vape pen containing THC wax
- A marijuana pipe
17.5 grams of methamphetamine, spread between two packages
16.1 grams of marijuana
Kerkaert was arrested and charged with second-degree sale or possession of drugs and fifth-degree possession, both felonies. The second-degree charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 25 years in prison and/or a $50,000 fine, but if he's convicted, Kerkaert will be sentenced based on criminal history.
He is being held in Cottonwood County Jail on bail set at $10,000 with conditions or $50,000 without.
