Published: November 5, 2026
EAGAN, MINNESOTA - An Eagan man is facing a felony first-degree controlled substance charge and a gross misdemeanor firearms charge after police responding to a welfare check allegedly discovered nearly 35 grams of suspected fentanyl, drug-packaging materials, and a handgun inside his vehicle.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court, 35-year-old Matthew Robert Johnson of Eagan was arrested following an encounter with Eagan police officers on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Prosecutors allege that Johnson possessed approximately 34.91 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for fentanyl, along with a digital scale, small plastic baggies, and a 9mm handgun. Investigators also reported that Johnson admitted to occasionally selling drugs, although he allegedly identified the substance as cocaine.
Johnson was formally charged on Thursday, November 5, with first-degree controlled substance possession, a felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison, and possession of a pistol without a permit, a gross misdemeanor.
Welfare Check Leads to Drug Investigation
According to the statement of probable cause, Eagan police officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of Jurdy Road at approximately 2:21 p.m. on November 3rd after receiving a report concerning an individual who appeared to be unconscious inside a motor vehicle. The reporting party told authorities that a male appeared to be passed out in the vehicle, prompting officers to respond and check on his well-being.
When officers arrived, one officer approached the driver's side and opened the door, finding a man seated behind the steering wheel. Officers subsequently identified the individual as Johnson, the vehicle's sole occupant. Police instructed Johnson to exit the vehicle, and he complied. Officers then spoke with him near the rear of the vehicle while medical personnel arrived to evaluate his condition.
During the encounter, an officer asked Johnson for permission to search the vehicle. According to the criminal complaint, Johnson consented to the search.
Police Discover Approximately 34.91 Grams of Suspected Fentanyl
While searching the vehicle, an Eagan police officer reportedly found a fanny pack on the driver's-side floorboard. Inside the bag, investigators located a container holding a suspected controlled substance, along with a scale and small plastic baggies.
According to court documents, officers conducted a preliminary field test on the substance, which returned a positive result for the presence of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. The substance weighed approximately 34.91 grams, according to the complaint. Under Minnesota law, possession of 25 grams or more of a mixture containing heroin or fentanyl can qualify as a first-degree controlled substance crime.
The amount allegedly discovered in Johnson's vehicle exceeded that statutory weight threshold by approximately 9.91 grams. The criminal complaint describes the field-test result but does not include confirmation from a laboratory analysis. It also does not specify the purity or actual fentanyl content of the mixture.
Defendant Allegedly Admitted to Occasionally Selling Drugs
When officers questioned Johnson about the contents of the fanny pack, he allegedly told investigators that the substance was cocaine. According to the complaint, Johnson acknowledged occasionally selling cocaine and also admitted to using drugs personally. After the discovery, officers arrested Johnson.
During a subsequent statement to investigators, Johnson allegedly acknowledged that the substance belonged to him and again stated that he occasionally sold cocaine. Although investigators reported that the substance field-tested positive for fentanyl, the complaint does not establish whether Johnson knew it contained fentanyl.
Johnson has been charged with first-degree possession rather than a separate controlled substance sales offense.
Handgun Discovered Inside Vehicle's Center Console
During a further search of Johnson's vehicle, investigators reportedly discovered a handgun secured inside a holster in the center console. Police identified the firearm as an FN 509 9mm pistol.
According to the complaint, Johnson acknowledged that the handgun belonged to him and admitted that he did not have a permit to carry it. Minnesota law generally requires individuals to possess a valid permit when carrying a pistol in public or in a motor vehicle, subject to certain statutory exceptions.
Prosecutors subsequently charged Johnson with gross misdemeanor possession of a pistol without a permit. The complaint does not allege that Johnson displayed, discharged, or threatened anyone with the firearm during the encounter.
Prosecutors Cite Fentanyl Quantity, Alleged Drug Sales, and Firearm in Bail Request
In a November 5th filing, the Dakota County Attorney's Office requested significant bail, citing concerns involving the quantity of suspected fentanyl, Johnson's alleged admissions regarding drug sales, and the presence of a firearm. Prosecutors acknowledged that Johnson did not appear to have a prior felony criminal history but argued that the circumstances of the current allegations warranted substantial bail.
In their filing, prosecutors identified three primary concerns:
Quantity of suspected fentanyl: Investigators allegedly recovered an amount exceeding the statutory threshold for first-degree controlled substance possession.
Admissions regarding drug sales: Johnson allegedly acknowledged occasionally selling cocaine, raising additional concerns for prosecutors.
Presence of a firearm: Police reportedly discovered a handgun in the vehicle, which Johnson allegedly acknowledged possessing without a permit.
The prosecution stated that the combination of a substantial amount of suspected fentanyl and a firearm heightened its public safety concerns. The filing also indicates that Johnson was deemed ineligible for both Drug Court and Drug Diversion.
Court Sets Bail at $75,000 With Conditions or $250,000 Without Conditions
According to a release order filed November 5th in Dakota County District Court, the court established two bail options for Johnson. Bail with conditions: $75,000 or bail without conditions $250,000.
The release order includes several requirements if Johnson is released under the conditional bail arrangement, including:
Remaining in Minnesota unless the court grants written approval.
Participating in the Pretrial Release Program if eligible.
Refraining from using or possessing firearms or dangerous weapons.
Avoiding alcohol and controlled substance use.
Not possessing alcohol or drugs, except prescribed medications.
Submitting to random chemical testing.
Remaining law-abiding.
The prosecution's separate bail recommendation requested $60,000 with conditions or $75,000 without conditions. However, the court's November 5th release order establishes the higher amounts of $75,000 with conditions and $250,000 without conditions.
The provided court records do not establish whether Johnson has posted bail or been released from custody, but Dakota County Jail records show that Johnson remains in custody at the jail as of the writing of this story.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Johnson faces two criminal counts stemming from the November 3 incident.
FELONY - First-Degree Controlled Substance Crime — Possession of Heroin or Fentanyl
Up to 30 years in prison and/or a $1 million fine
GROSS MISDEMEANOR - Possession of a Pistol Without a Permit
Up to 1 year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine
The first-degree controlled substance charge is filed under Minnesota Statute 152.021, subdivision 2(a)(3), which addresses possession of mixtures containing heroin or fentanyl meeting the statutory weight or dosage-unit threshold. The firearms charge is filed under Minnesota Statute 624.714, subdivision 1a. The penalties listed represent potential statutory maximums and do not indicate what sentence Johnson would receive if convicted.
Johnson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The allegations in the criminal complaint reflect the prosecution's account of the incident and have not been established as fact through a trial or guilty plea.
Limitless Media News will continue monitoring the case for additional court proceedings and developments.
Pictured: Matthew Robert Johnson . Provided by the Dakota County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight
