Inver Grove Heights Man Charged with First-Degree Drug Crimes Following Police Investigation
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA - Authorities have charged an Inver Grove Heights man with multiple felony drug offenses after a search warrant executed by police uncovered a significant quantity of controlled substances, including methamphetamine and amphetamine pills.
Brian Greer Murphy, 47, of Inver Grove Heights, was charged with two counts of first-degree controlled substance crimes for the sale and possession of methamphetamine and cocaine. The charges stem from a police investigation that led to the search of his residence on March 14, 2025.
Investigation and Search Warrant Execution
The investigation into Murphy’s activities began as part of a domestic assault-related inquiry by the Inver Grove Heights Police Department, according to court documents. Based on evidence gathered, detectives secured a search warrant for Murphy’s residence on the 7300 block of Dawn Avenue East in Dakota County.
The criminal complaint states that during the search, officers recovered substantial amounts of illegal drugs and paraphernalia indicative of drug distribution. Among the items found were:
A bag containing approximately 210 grams of methamphetamine.
Another bag containing 50.3 grams of methamphetamine.
Pills and capsules, including 209 amphetamine pills.
Hypodermic needles and packaging materials.
A box with a shipping label addressed to Murphy containing various controlled substances.
A bag labeled as containing GHB powder, a Schedule I controlled substance.
$3,000 in U.S. currency suspected to be proceeds from drug sales.
According to the complaint, authorities noted that the residence was outfitted with security cameras inside and outside, a common feature in drug trafficking operations. The packaging materials, presence of cutting agents, and large quantities of substances suggested that the drugs were intended for sale rather than personal use.
Murphy’s Criminal History and Charges
Court records show that Murphy has a prior conviction from 2008, for which he was discharged from his sentence in 2018. Given this history, his current charges are classified as subsequent offenses, carrying enhanced penalties.
He now faces the following charges:
Count I: First-degree controlled substance crime – Sale of 17 or more grams of cocaine or methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 40 years in prison and/or a fine ranging from $300,000 to $1,000,000.
Count II: First-degree controlled substance crime – Possession of 50 or more grams of cocaine or methamphetamine, also a felony with the same potential penalties.
Murphy is currently being held on a bail amount of $100,000 without conditions or $40,000 with conditions.
Additional Cases and Prior Legal Issues
In addition to the drug charges, Murphy is expected to appear in court soon for another ongoing legal matter where he faces felony domestic assault charges, which caused this investigation and the later charges. In that case, his bond is set at $80,000 with conditions. Court records also show that he was convicted in October 2024 for violating a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO) and received a gross misdemeanor sentence despite the State’s objections.
Given Murphy’s prior criminal history and the severity of the current charges, prosecutors are emphasizing the need for significant bail, citing public safety concerns and his pattern of continued offenses even while on probation. Murphy remains in custody at the Dakota County Jail, with his next court appearances set for April 24, 2025, for both the above-mentioned cases. If convicted, he faces a mandatory prison sentence due to his prior felony drug conviction. Authorities continue to investigate the case, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
This article provides an overview of the allegations against Murphy, detailing the charges, evidence, and potential legal outcomes. The community is reminded that charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Further updates on this case will depend on the progress of the legal proceedings.
Provided by Dakota County Jail.
Written By: Will Wight
