On August 4, 2025, SA Charles Beery was in contact with a CI regarding a purchase of methamphetamine. The CI stated he had been contact with Joshua Bernu, the above-named defendant, and had arranged to purchase a half ounce of methamphetamine for $350. The controlled buy was to occur at the defendant's residence at [ADDRESS REDACTED] 76 in rural New York Mills, a location in Otter Tail County. At 1:10 P.M., law enforcement conducted a briefing. The CI was shown a nameless photograph. The CI indicated that individual was the defendant.
The text messages setting up the controlled buy were observed and photographed. The CI was provided with pre-recorded buy money and a recording device. The CI was instructed to not make any stops along the way to the buy location. The CI was released to the buy location with agents tracking his movement. The CI arrived at the residence and children could be heard when the CI entered into and left the residence. When the CI returned to the debrief location, SA Beery took possession of the purported methamphetamine and recording device.
No other items of contraband or currency were located on the CI's person or vehicle. The CI indicated that he arrived, knocked on the door and entered the property. The CI was led downstairs for the buy, children in the residence were upstairs. The CI stated that he only dealt with the defendant, but the defendant's wife, who was smoking methamphetamine, and another male were present. The CI placed the buy money on the table and the defendant handed the prepackaged methamphetamine to the CI. The substance was taken to the Otter Tail County Operations Center.
It was submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for testing. The substance tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine and weighed 13.958 grams. The State is requesting a warrant to ensure public safety. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49., intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
