LUVERNE - Criminal charges were filed this week against a Luverne woman accused of selling methamphetamine to an individual that overdosed on the illegal narcotic.
Jenna Bernal, 31, faces felony fourth-degree drug sale and fifth-degree drug possession, a gross misdemeanor, in Rock County District Court. The more serious felony offense is punishable up to 15 years imprisonment, a $100,000 fine or both.
According to the criminal complaint, Rock County deputies and a Worthington police officer and K-9 duo collaboratively executed a search warrant on May 31 of Bernal’s Luverne residence. A deputy knocked and announced their presence, and eventually busted open the door after a delayed response and the possibility of adequate time for residence occupants to destroy evidence.
The search revealed approximately 7.5 grams of meth, drug paraphernalia, baggies, a scale and $729 in cash.
Another individual was arrested as part of the residence search, but Bernal took responsibility for the illegal narcotic. The arrested adult male faces a gross misdemeanor fifth-degree possession charge.
ADVERTISEMENT
In a post-arrest interview, Bernal confessed to law enforcement to having recently sold meth to an acquaintance that later overdosed. The complaint did not detail if the individual survived.
Her bail was unknown by press time Friday. Her initial appearance has been scheduled for July 2 in Rock County District Court.
