Hines Stop Leads To Charge For Bemidji Woman
Hines, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji woman is facing a gross misdemeanor charge in Beltrami County District Court.
According to a criminal complaint, Mataya Marie Preston, 34, is charged with driving after cancellation. The complaint says her license was canceled as being inimical to public safety.
The case was filed in Beltrami County District Court under court file number 04-CR-26-1052. The alleged offense happened on or about May 6, 2026.
Traffic Stop Reported Near Hines
Court documents say law enforcement was on patrol near Lookout Tower Road in Hines.
An officer reported seeing a silver Pontiac G6 traveling in the area. The driver was believed to be Preston, according to the complaint.
The vehicle later pulled into a nearby driveway. The complaint says the officer checked the license plate.
The vehicle was registered to a man from Alexandria, Minnesota. Authorities also reported that Preston had contact with a residence in the area.
Complaint Says License Was Canceled
The complaint says Preston was found standing in front of the vehicle. The hood was up at the time.
Preston allegedly told law enforcement she was getting parts for her husband. She also said the car had overheated.
Dispatch later confirmed that Preston’s Minnesota driving privileges were canceled as inimical to public safety, according to court records.
Preston was then arrested and taken to the Beltrami County Jail.
The charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 171.24. A gross misdemeanor can carry up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
Prior Convictions Listed In Complaint
The complaint also lists several prior convictions involving Preston since 2020.
Those include convictions for fleeing a peace officer, DWI, burglary, drug possession, and driving after cancellation.
The court filing says Preston’s license status was listed as canceled IPS.
A criminal complaint is not a conviction. Preston is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.