Jury Trial Begins for Samonty Sam Ouk-Theng in Apple Valley Crash and Drug Case
Provided by Dakota County Jail.
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA— The jury trial for Samonty Sam Ouk-Theng is set to begin today at 9:00 AM, following months of legal proceedings stemming from a September 18, 2024, crash and subsequent drug-related charges. You can find our original reporting on this case and incident below.
Two Separate Incidents on Cedar Avenue in Apple Valley Lead to Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Charges Filed Against Driver Who Fled Crash in Apple Valley in September
Ouk-Theng was arrested after allegedly fleeing the scene of a three-vehicle crash at County Road 42 and Cedar Avenue. Investigators later determined he was under the influence of controlled substances at the time of the collision. During his arrest, officers recovered a backpack containing suspected fentanyl packaged for sale and additional narcotics inside his vehicle.
On January 29, 2025, the court ruled there was probable cause to believe Ouk-Theng committed the alleged offenses, and a speedy trial was demanded on record. A plea of "not guilty" was entered on his behalf for each count against him.
In a significant development, prosecutors amended the criminal complaint on March 19, 2025, adding a charge of Felony Controlled Substance Crime in the 2nd Degree (Sale of a Narcotic). This new charge carries a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years and fines reaching $500,000.
Ouk-Theng was already facing multiple felony charges, including two counts of First-Degree Driving While Impaired (DWI) and Third-Degree Controlled Substance Sale. His criminal history includes prior convictions for felony DWI, fleeing police in a motor vehicle, and other drug-related offenses.
The trial will take place in Dakota County District Court in Hastings, Minnesota, where prosecutors are expected to present evidence from the crash scene, toxicology reports, and law enforcement testimony.
This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as the trial progresses.
Written by: Will Wight
