Searches for methamphetamine in three Cass County homes Friday led to criminal charges against one person and could result in the arrest of three others, the sheriff's department said.
Officials believe the cases, two in Horace and another in Kindred, are linked, Cass County Lt. Rick Majerus said.
Hours after officials raided her home at #16 Sheyenne Trailer Court in Horace, Stephanie Desotel, 37, was charged in Cass County Court with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Desotel was the only person home during the searches, which began about 10 a.m.
Two elementary-aged children lived with Stephanie and Tom Desotel in the trailer, Majerus said. They will be cared for by Cass County Social Services.
The Red River Valley SWAT Team also searched a neighboring residence at #4 Sheyenne Trailer Court. Officials served another search warrant about four hours later at 151 Spruce St. #5 in Kindred.
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Tools to make meth were found inside at least two of the homes, Majerus said.
Inside Desotel's trailer, officials found a scale with white residue on it and a white substance believed to be meth, court documents said.
A black wallet with names, phone numbers and a pay/owe sheet was also found.
Majerus did not know the value or weight of the meth found in the searches, but said there was enough evidence to file up to eight more charges against three people yet to be arrested.
"There'll be more coming," he said.
The investigation leading up to Friday's searches was months in the making and could result in more search warrants, Majerus said.
A Feb. 13 preliminary hearing is set for Desotel, who pleaded not guilty Friday to the charges against her. She faces Class C felonies, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Dave Forster at (701) 241-5538
