Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Tenstrike man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges in Beltrami County after investigators said he sent harassing messages and posed as a law officer during a dispute with a former dating partner.
According to a criminal complaint, Trevor Don Bergstraser, 31, is charged with felony harassment by false impersonation and misdemeanor impersonating a peace officer. The case was filed in Minnesota Court Records Online.
What the complaint says happened
The complaint says the woman had dated Bergstraser for about two weeks. She told authorities she ended the relationship about one week earlier. After that, she said Bergstraser kept calling and texting her after she told him to stop.
Investigators said Bergstraser wanted property returned from the woman’s home. The complaint says arrangements were made for him to collect it at the Beltrami Law Enforcement Center.
Even after that contact, the woman said the messages continued. The complaint says she reported about 20 text messages and three phone calls in a short time. She also told authorities she was afraid to return to her home because of the volume of contact.
Fake law officer claim alleged
According to the complaint, the woman then received texts from a separate phone number. The messages claimed to be from the sheriff’s office. They said she was wanted for terrorist threats. They also claimed officers and child protection workers would come to her home.
The messages also allegedly told her Bergstraser might drop the matter if she spoke with him. One message claimed the sender was “Officer Brady Smith.” The complaint states there is no licensed Minnesota peace officer by that name.
Authorities then went to Bergstraser’s residence near Tenstrike. The complaint says investigators called the number used in the messages and saw a device ringing inside the home. Bergstraser was then arrested.
Tablet allegedly tied to messages
After his arrest, the complaint says Bergstraser was advised of his rights. Investigators said he admitted sending the messages from a tablet. The complaint says he apologized and said he was trying to get property back from the woman.
Authorities later obtained a search warrant, according to the filing. The complaint says the tablet was found at the home. Investigators said the device showed the calls from law enforcement and the messages sent to the woman.
The complaint lists March 4, 2026, as the offense date. One line in the probable cause section says March 4, 2024. That appears to be a date error in the filing.
Charges and next steps
The felony count cites Minnesota Statute 609.749. The misdemeanor count cites Minnesota Statute 609.4751. Readers can also find agency information through the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office.
Charges in a criminal complaint are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.