Becker County ( trfnews.i234.me ) – A Waubun woman has been sentenced in Becker County District Court following a 2024 rollover crash that injured multiple passengers.
According to court records, Alyssa Rose Bellanger, 21, of rural Waubun, was sentenced June 30 on a gross misdemeanor charge of criminal vehicular operation. A felony count was dropped as part of a plea agreement.
The case stemmed from a crash on November 2, 2024, near County Highway 21 and 370th Street. Investigators found the vehicle in a ditch with two empty bottles of alcohol inside, including an empty bottle of Crown Royal.
A passenger told deputies Bellanger had been driving when the car lost control. Two male passengers were injured — one was placed on a stretcher and another wore a cervical collar due to a possible broken collarbone.
Court documents state that investigators smelled alcohol on Bellanger’s breath while she was being placed in an ambulance. She admitted to drinking earlier that night. Surveillance video later showed her purchasing a bottle of Crown Royal from a liquor store about an hour before the crash.
Judge Michelle W. Lawson sentenced Bellanger to 364 days in jail, with 349 days stayed for three years. She must serve 15 days, with credit for 10 already served. She was also ordered to pay $1,397 in restitution, $500 in fines, and $160 in court fees.
As conditions of probation, Bellanger must undergo a full assessment, complete a victim impact panel within four months, and follow any aftercare recommendations. She will remain on supervised probation for three years.
For more on Minnesota criminal vehicular operation laws, visit the Minnesota Legislature site.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
