Man Arrested on Drug and Weapons Charges in Wadena County

On December 20, 2022 the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office, the Wadena Police Department and undercover Agents from the West Central Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force attempted to arrest Michael Fondurulia, 44 of Isle, Minnesota for 1^st Degree Sales of a Controlled Substance after selling 28 grams of methamphetamine.

As Law Enforcement approached the suspect, he became non-compliant with verbal commands. Law Enforcement gained control of his hands as they were reaching towards the pockets of his jacket. It took multiple officers to gain control of the suspect while using pain compliance techniques. Handcuffs were eventually placed on Fondurulia.

While performing search incident to arrest, officers located a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol in Fonduruila’s right jacket pocket. Other items found were: two loaded 9mm magazines, 28 grams of Methamphetamine, a digital scale, multiple baggies for distributing Methamphetamine, and cash.

A subsequent search warrant was done on the vehicle that Fondurulia was driving. Law Enforcement located 86 grams of Methamphetamine (for a total of approximately 142 grams) and 101 rounds of ammunition.

Fondurulia has been convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition and Possession of a Controlled Substance in the past.

On December 22^nd, 2022, Fondurulia was charged by Wadena County Attorney Kyra Ladd with seven felonies, including Aggravated 1^st Degree Controlled Substance Crime and several counts of Felon in Possession of Firearm or Ammunition. If convicted, Fondurulia faces a sentence of 86 months to 40 years on the controlled substance charge, and 5 to 15 years on the firearms charges, to be served consecutively.

Fondurulia appeared in Wadena District Court, where bail and conditions were set by the court. Bail was set in the amounts of $150,000 cash or bond without conditions and $75,000 bond or $7,500 cash with conditions.

From the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office