Commander Jay Salzer advised that on 12/16/2021, the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force (CMVOTF) executed a search warrant in the 10000 of 115th St. Ne Gilman Mn, in Benton County.
Investigators learned that the occupants of the residence were suspected of selling methamphetamine. After a several month long investigation, Investigators applied for a search warrant and one was granted. During the execution of the search warrant, Investigators located 3 individuals inside the residence. As they entered, Sherryl Ann Barnhart, 62 years of age from Gilman Mn, was trying to flush suspected methamphetamine down a bathroom toilet. Also located was Virgil Timothy Pouliot, 65 years of age also from Gilman Mn., and another individual who was not charged.
Investigators located over 50 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a small amount of suspected THC products, a small amount of suspected marijuana and suspected psilocybin mushrooms. Also located in the residence was ammunition and approximately $16,000.00 that is believed to be proceeds from suspected drug distribution.
Both Barnhart and Pouliot were transported to Benton County Jail and booked for 1st degree possession of controlled substance, 5th degree possession of controlled substance, felon in possession of ammunition, and obstructing legal process. Both individuals are being held in jail until their first court appearance.