Mahnomen County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Mahnomen woman is facing a gross misdemeanor traffic charge after a stop near Roy Lake Store, according to a criminal complaint filed in Minnesota District Court.
Lori Jean Dakota, 56, of Mahnomen, has been charged with driving after cancellation as inimical to public safety. The case was filed in Mahnomen County District Court in the 9th Judicial District.
The charge stems from an alleged incident on April 10, 2026. Court records list the court file number as 44-CR-26-202.
Traffic Stop Near Roy Lake Store
According to the complaint, a vehicle with a White Earth Tribal plate passed a law enforcement officer near the Roy Lake Store. Authorities said the plate was registered to Dakota.
The complaint states that a records check showed Dakota’s driving status was canceled as inimical to public safety. A traffic stop was then conducted.
Dakota allegedly told the officer that her driver’s license was valid. She also showed a paper copy of a license, according to the complaint.
Dispatch later confirmed that Dakota’s license was canceled as inimical to public safety, the complaint says.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed
Dakota is charged under Minnesota Statute 171.24. That section covers driving without a valid license, including driving after cancellation.
The complaint lists the charge as a gross misdemeanor. The listed maximum sentence is 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The complaint also states that Dakota has three prior convictions for driving after cancellation, as inimical to public safety.
A criminal complaint is not a conviction. Dakota is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Public court information may be reviewed through Minnesota Court Records Online.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
