Bismarck Police Arrest Pair on Drug Conspiracy Charges
Madisyn Heidt and Michael Cowan face felony charges following a controlled drug purchase in south Bismarck.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Drug Crime
Bismarck police arrested Madisyn Heidt and Michael Cowan on drug conspiracy charges after an informant purchased methamphetamine and fentanyl. The operation involved a recorded transaction in south Bismarck facilitated by a police detective.
Why it matters
The arrests follow an investigation into allegations that Heidt utilized Facebook to advertise controlled substances. The suspects are now facing multiple felony charges as local authorities address drug distribution in the area.
A judge set bond at $10,000 for Madisyn Heidt and $20,000 for Michael Cowan. Both suspects currently face felony charges and are scheduled for court appearances in November 2026.
The players
Madisyn Heidt
The suspect faces four felony counts including delivery of a controlled substance and conspiracy to deliver.
Michael Cowan
The suspect is facing two felony counts and was arrested alongside Heidt.
The details
Authorities utilized an informant equipped with an audio recording device to purchase drugs from Heidt, who was reportedly riding in a vehicle driven by Cowan. Investigators secured the evidence after the informant provided police with the purchased substances and documented digital communications.
Timeline
Heidt was previously charged with a man's death in 2022.
Police arrested Heidt and Cowan the week of October 20, 2026.
Heidt and Cowan have court appearances scheduled for November 2026.
Legal Context
The current charges follow a 2022 plea agreement that reduced a previous death-related charge against Heidt to a moving violation. This latest case underscores the ongoing legal challenges and repeated law enforcement interactions involving the suspect in the local jurisdiction.
The arrests highlight the ongoing efforts of Bismarck police to monitor drug distribution activities occurring in south neighborhoods. Residents are encouraged to remain aware of local safety updates as the judicial process proceeds.
The takeaway
Illegal drug distribution remains a primary focus for local law enforcement agencies using informant-led investigations. Residents should report suspicious advertising or sales activity to the Bismarck police to assist in ongoing investigative efforts.
What happens next
Madisyn Heidt and Michael Cowan are scheduled to appear in court in November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local enforcement, see the Drug Crime section.
