Waubun Driver Charged in Interlock Case

Waubun Driver Charged in Interlock Case

WAUBUN, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Mora woman faces a gross misdemeanor charge following a March traffic stop near Waubun.

Maisie Ann Sargent, 36, was charged in Mahnomen County District Court. The complaint alleges she drove a vehicle without a required ignition interlock device.

The alleged offense happened on March 18, 2026, along U.S. Highway 59 in rural Waubun.

Traffic Stop Leads to Charge

According to the complaint, a law enforcement officer noticed a Ford traveling without a front license plate.

The vehicle also allegedly had a loud exhaust system. The officer then started a traffic stop.

Sargent was identified as the driver, according to the court filing.

The complaint states that Sargent had an ignition interlock restriction on her driver’s license.

However, the Ford allegedly did not have an ignition interlock device installed.

Gross Misdemeanor Alleged

Sargent is charged under Minnesota’s ignition interlock law.

The complaint lists the offense as a gross misdemeanor. A conviction could carry up to 364 days in jail.

The maximum fine is $3,000. A court could also impose both possible penalties.

An ignition interlock device tests a driver’s breath before a vehicle can start.

The device can prevent the engine from starting when alcohol is detected.

More information about Minnesota’s ignition interlock requirements is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.

General information about criminal court cases is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

Case Remains Pending

The case was filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. The court file number is 44-CR-26-261.

The complaint contains allegations supporting the criminal charge. It does not represent a finding of guilt.

Sargent is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Future hearings and court orders may provide more information about the case.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.