Police News Releases

On Wednesday, April 27, 2022, Investigators obtained specific information showing the suspects were frequently traveling to the Minneapolis area to pick up a shipment of drugs to distribute in our community. Moorhead Police Detectives, working with the Clay County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota State Patrol, Cass County Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, Fargo, ND, Office, attempted to conduct two traffic stops on Interstate 94 in Clay County. Both vehicles tried to flee from Clay deputies; however, both vehicles were eventually stopped with interventions by law enforcement. During searches of the suspects and vehicles, officers located 1,091 suspected fentanyl pills and approximately 20 grams of suspected methamphetamine. The street value of the drugs seized is estimated to be $37,000. During the investigation, ammunition was located along with one of the fleeing vehicles was found to be a stolen car.

The suspects were booked into the Clay County Correctional Facility with long-form complaints requested for all three individuals. Larry McClendon faces Felony First Degree Controlled Substance Conspiracy to Sell, Felony Fleeing in a Motor Vehicle, and Driving after Cancellation - Inimical to Public Safety. Raphael Murphy faces First Degree Controlled Substance and Fifth Degree Controlled Substance Conspiracy to Sell, along with Felon in Possession of Ammunition. Cameron Desjarlais faces First Degree and Fifth Degree Controlled Substance Conspiracy to Sell, Felony Fleeing in a Motor Vehicle, and four Cass County, ND, active drug warrants.

The investigation is the third significant seizure that disrupted the distribution of drugs into our community within the last month. In March, two individuals were arrested after investigators intercepted a shipment of powdered fentanyl transported on I 94, in Clay County, with a street value of $15,000. On April 12, two separate individuals were arrested on I 94, in Clay County, with a shipment of fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, and marijuana, with a street value of $20,000, also headed to our community for distribution.

A press conference is scheduled for 2:00 pm today at the Clay County Law Enforcement Center, 911 11 Street North, to discuss the details of this stop, along with the continued investigations to disrupt the delivery of these illegal drugs that have led to several overdoses in our community.

1,091 Suspected Fentanyl Pills

Capt. Deric Swenson, 218.299.5186