(KNOX/Valley News Live) – A Fargo man and a Grand Forks woman are both facing felony drug distribution charges after a Grand Forks County sheriff’s deputy found fentanyl, meth, and a digital scale commonly used to weigh drugs for sale during a traffic stop.
42-year-old Edwin Chinchilla of Fargo and 35-year-old Paulette Schill of Grand Forks were both charged on Monday in Grand Forks County District Court. They are facing charges with conspiracy to possess fentanyl with intent to deliver, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver fentanyl, and possession of methamphetamine, all felonies, along with a felony drug paraphernalia charge.
According to a declaration of probable cause, a deputy stopped a vehicle on U.S. Highway 2 for a burnt-out headlight back on Sunday. Schill was driving the vehicle, as Chinchilla and a third person were with her in the car.
The deputy reported observing a piece of tinfoil with burnt residue in plain view, which later tested presumptively positive for fentanyl. A search of the vehicle turned up an orange case containing approximately 2.7 grams of suspected meth and 11.7 grams of liquid suspected to be fentanyl. There was also a backpack containing about 4.9 grams of powder that also tested presumptively positive for fentanyl. A digital scale was found in the same backpack. According to the affidavit, the deputy noted the quantities and presence of a scale were consistent with drug distribution rather than personal use.
The affidavit states Chinchilla initially gave deputies a partial or incorrect name, and deputies were unable to verify his identity until another vehicle occupant provided his full name. Deputies discovered that Chinchilla has multiple outstanding felony warrants in Cass County for charges that include burglary, theft, and prior drug-related charges. The affidavit states Chinchilla asked deputies during the stop whether Fargo extradites from Grand Forks.
According to the affidavit, Schill told deputies she was traveling from Fargo to Langdon to check on a property. Court records show both Chinchilla and Schill have prior drug-related convictions.
Chinchilla also faces an additional misdemeanor charge of giving false information to law enforcement. They are both currently in custody at the Grand Forks County Jail.
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