Twin Valley Man facing multiple felony drug charges 

A Twin Valley man is facing multiple felony drug charges after allegedly being in possession and under the influence of methamphetamine while in a school zone. 

According to a criminal complaint, on October 7, Norman County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a probation search of the home of 48 year old Gary Lee Mendez of Twin Valley. 

The complaint alleges that while at his residence, Mendez was found in the driver’s seat of his vehicle parked in his garage. Mendez later admitted that he had been smoking methamphetamine and had done so while driving home from work. Deputies also found a meth pipe on the floorboard of his vehicle. 

During a search of Mendez’s residence, meth was also found under a mattress, while a second bag was found in a bedroom. Mendez provided a urine specimen, which also tested positive for methamphetamine. 

Mendez also admitted that he drove home from Halstad that day, driving on multiple streets and roads including Main Ave W in Twin Valley which is the street the Norman County East School is located. School cameras also captured Mendez’ vehicle passing the school. 

Mendez is facing a series of felony drug charges including:  3rd Degree Possession of Methamphetamine in School Zone, 1st Degree Driving While Impaired, and two charges of 5th Degree Possession of a Controlled Substance. 

The Charges carry a potential prison sentence of up to twenty years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. He is currently being held at the Northwest Regional Corrections Center in Crookston.