White Bear Lake woman sentenced in Redwood County court for felony drug possession

A White Bear Lake woman, Karen Marie Hinz, age 43, was sentenced in Redwood County court after being caught in Ramsey Park with methamphetamine, cocaine, and other controlled substances.

According to court records, on July 11 of last year, Redwood Falls police responded to a report of a van following someone in a neighborhood near Alexander Ramsey Park in Redwood Falls. Officers found a van matching the description parked near the falls overlook. As an officer approached, a woman, Hinz, and a man were seen trying to hide in the back.

When questioned, Hinz and the man gave contradictory answers about why they were in the park, and why they were trying to hide in the back of the van. While the van was being searched, officers learned Hinz and the man were both on probation for previous drug possession offenses, and both had active warrants.

The search turned up multiple baggies and prescription bottles containing methamphetamine, cocaine, and other controlled substances.

On Oct. 23, Hinz was sentenced for felony third degree drug possession to 21 months in the correctional facility in St. Cloud, stayed for five years, five years supervised probation, 90 days local confinement, and fines and fees of $285.