South St. Paul hotel search leads to felony fentanyl possession charge after nearly 96 grams seized, complaint says
Published: July 28th, 2026.
SOUTH SAINT PAUL: A man is facing a first-degree controlled substance charge after authorities allegedly discovered nearly 96 grams of suspected fentanyl during the execution of search warrants at a South St. Paul hotel room, according to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County.
Thomas Wilson Stiles, 34, has been charged with one count of first-degree controlled substance crime (possession). The felony charge alleges he unlawfully possessed 25 grams or more of a mixture containing heroin or fentanyl. If convicted, the charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
According to the criminal complaint, detectives with the Washington County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a hotel room in the 700 block of Concord Street South in South St. Paul at approximately 3:15 p.m. on July 8. Investigators were reportedly targeting Stiles, who was known to have outstanding arrest warrants.
Court documents state detectives knocked on the hotel room door, and Stiles opened it a few inches before complying with orders to fully open the door. He was arrested on the outstanding warrants, and authorities reported that no one else was inside the room.
According to the complaint, while arresting Stiles, detectives observed suspected controlled substances and drug paraphernalia in plain view. Investigators secured the scene while obtaining a second search warrant for the hotel room.
During the subsequent search, detectives allegedly recovered multiple containers of suspected fentanyl, including approximately 28.6 grams found inside a jar stored in a vinyl case labeled "Tsunami," approximately 38.6 grams on a plate located on a desk, approximately 27.4 grams inside an uncovered jar on an end table, and an additional 1.3 grams in another jar. The complaint states the substances field-tested positive for fentanyl, with a combined weight of approximately 95.9 grams.
Authorities also allegedly recovered two digital scales with residue, drug paraphernalia, $2,897 in cash, two shotgun shells inside a dresser drawer, five additional shotgun shells in a felt bag, and a box containing 49 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under Minnesota law.
The allegations contained in the criminal complaint are accusations only. Stiles is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.