A River Falls man was arrested in Ellsworth on January 21, 2025, after a suspicious activity complaint led to the discovery of illegal drugs and a stolen firearm in his vehicle. Chad W. Kessler, 47, now faces multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, marijuana, and narcotic drugs, as well as charges for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and stolen property.
According to the complaint, the investigation began when a woman reported a suspicious black Cadillac with Minnesota plates following her home in Prescott. When she confronted the driver, the man, later identified as Kessler, told her, “I’m trippin’,” before driving away. Although Prescott police searched the area, they were unable to locate the vehicle.
Just 14 minutes later, a Pierce County deputy spotted the vehicle on Highway 10 near Ellsworth. The deputy followed Kessler to a Circle K gas station and approached him while he was at the pumps. Kessler initially denied being in Prescott earlier but later claimed he was lost and looking for directions to his home in River Falls.
Upon speaking with Kessler, officers detected a strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A marijuana grinder was also visible in the backseat. When officers searched the trunk, they found a glass jar containing methamphetamine, a stolen Glock 41 handgun, and several personal belongings with Kessler’s name on them. A check of the handgun’s serial number confirmed it was stolen out of Washington County, Minnesota.
Kessler, a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Despite his claims that the vehicle wasn’t his, officers contacted the car’s registered owner, who confirmed that Kessler had purchased it for $7,000 in cash a few weeks prior.
Further search of the vehicle revealed over 130 grams of marijuana, 23 grams of methamphetamine, 5 grams of heroin, 2.8 grams of cocaine, and multiple drug paraphernalia items, including smoking devices, scales, and THC wax. The drugs were packaged in a way that indicated they were intended for distribution.
Kessler was arrested and taken to Pierce County Jail without incident. He faces several felony charges, including possession with intent to distribute and possession of a stolen firearm. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 20, 2025. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000.
