Cottage Grove Felon Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Illegal Possession of a Firearm

MINNEAPOLIS - A Cottage Grove man has been charged in a four-count indictment with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm as a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.

According to court documents, on July 16, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence of Jonathan Henry Valencour, 44, in Cottage Grove. Law enforcement seized approximately 84.4 kilograms of methamphetamine from a large trash can in the garage of the residence. Law enforcement also seized a firearm with an attached silencer. Because Valencour has prior felony convictions in Hennepin and Washington Counties, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

The indictment charges Valencour with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm as a felon. Valencour was arraigned yesterday in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty. He has been ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Cottage Grove Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.