On January 15, 2026, investigators with the Central Minnesota Offender Task Force (VOTF) conducted a controlled purchase from Benjamin Evans Peschl, [DOB REDACTED], the defendant herein. Investigators met with a CI who provided a text message thread with the defendant. In the messages, the CI agrees to purchase methamphetamine from the defendant for approximately $300. The CI confirmed they have been to the defendant's residence on prior occasions and were aware the defendant resides with a female.
The CI was provided $300 of pre-recorded US currency and an audio recording and transmitting device. At approximately 2:27 PM, the CI conducts a phone call with the defendant where the CI is directed to go to the defendant's residence, located in the city of St. Cloud, county of Stearns, state of Minnesota. At 2:36 PM, a female, fully identified in reports, approaches the CI's vehicle and enters the vehicle. Law enforcement heard a money count over the audio recording device, a deal was made, and the female exits the CI's vehicle.
Law enforcement then heard the defendant call the CI and ask how the deal went. At 2:44 PM, law enforcement observed the defendant arrive at the residence and enter the same doorway the female had just entered after the deal. The CI provided law enforcement with a Ziploc baggie containing a crystal substance. That substance later field tested positive as methamphetamine, a schedule II controlled substance, with a weight of 36.98 grams. In February 2026, Investigator Okerstrom with VOTF was informed by a CI that the defendant was involved in the sale and distribution of methamphetamine.
The CI reported that the defendant drove a dark blue Chevrolet Silverado and provided the license plate. On March 05, 2026, the CI informed law enforcement that the defendant was picking up methamphetamine from Eden Prairie and would be driving it back to St. Cloud. The CI informed law enforcement that the defendant would be driving the dark blue Chevrolet pickup and would be with Witness A, an adult female fully identified in report. The CI informed law enforcement that the defendant was most likely on I-94 in that truck.
Law enforcement located the defendant's truck parked in the city of Clearwater, county of Wright, state of Minnesota. Law enforcement observed the defendant exit the driver's side of the truck and enter a gas station. The defendant then returned to the vehicle and Witness A slid into the driver's seat and the defendant entered the passenger seat. Law enforcement performed a stop of the defendant's vehicle and removed the defendant and Witness A from the vehicle. Law enforcement spoke with Witness A, who confirmed there was methamphetamine in the truck.
She told law enforcement she knew methamphetamine was in the vehicle because the defendant had told her. In a Mirandized statement, Witness A admitted that she and the defendant had been staying at a hotel near Mystic Lake Casino. Witness A admitted that the defendant met with a female during this trip and admitted that the defendant told her he had picked up methamphetamine from the female. Witness A admitted that she observed a bag of methamphetamine in their hotel room. Witness A admitted that she believed it was then packed in a gray duffel bag belonging to the defendant.
