Local Former Business Man Serving Life Sentence to Stand Trial on Drug Charges

Nathan Monkelien, an Ashland business owner previously convicted of double homicide, now faces charges of possessing over 100 grams of psychedelic mushrooms with intent to deliver, a Felony G offense that carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. The mushrooms were discovered at Monkelien’s residence in 2023 during the execution of a search warrant, shortly after the fatal shooting that resulted in his current life sentence. Two jars of suspected Psilocybin mushrooms, weighing approximately 101 grams and 59 grams, were found. Monkelien, 37, appeared via Zoom from Dodge Correctional Institution at the beginning of the month for an adjourned initial appearance but has not yet secured legal representation. His next initial appearance for the drug charges is scheduled for October 6.