Ponsford Man Gets 72 Months for Felony DWI

Ponsford (trfnews.i234.me) — Adrian Matthew Warren, 28, has been sentenced for felony DWI and two gross misdemeanors.

The other convictions involved methamphetamine possession and driving after license cancellation.

Traffic Stop Led To Charges

Court records say the case began during the evening of August 26, 2025.

A White Earth police officer saw Warren driving east on Pow Wow Highway in Becker County.

The officer knew Warren’s license had been canceled as inimical to public safety.

During the stop, Warren allegedly moved his left hand beneath the driver’s seat.

He was ordered from the vehicle and arrested.

A search found a smoking pipe inside Warren’s pants pocket, according to court records.

Police also found a small bag containing a crystal-like substance beneath the driver’s seat.

That was the same area where Warren had reportedly been reaching.

Testing later confirmed the substance was methamphetamine, court documents said.

The substance weighed about 0.11 grams.

During transport, Warren showed signs that officers linked to possible methamphetamine use.

Those signs included rapid finger tapping and facial tremors.

Warren declined field sobriety testing.

He said he did not want to provide more information for a search warrant.

Investigators later obtained a warrant and collected a urine sample.

Court records show Warren had earlier impaired-driving cases.

His license was revoked in February 2025 and October 2020.

He also had a prior DWI conviction from 2020.

On May 21, District Judge Michelle Lawson sentenced Warren to 72 months in prison.

He received credit for 257 days already served in jail.

The court also ordered a $50 fine and $160 in fees.

Warren’s prison term will be handled through the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

A separate felony criminal vehicular operation charge was dismissed after the DWI sentence.

That case followed a September 28, 2024, crash near County Highway 37 and State Highway 34.

A Becker County deputy found Lacey Lynn Clark badly injured in the vehicle’s backseat.

Clark identified Warren as the driver, according to court records.

Investigators also found Warren’s wallet and identification inside the vehicle.

A witness said the Chevrolet had been swerving before leaving the roadway on a curve.

The witness reported seeing an injured man leave the crash scene on foot.

A Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension scientist later tested DNA from the steering wheel.

Court records said the sample matched Warren’s DNA.

The Becker County Attorney’s Office dismissed the charge on May 22.

Prosecutors said the 72-month sentence exceeded any likely punishment in the crash case.

The dismissal ended that separate prosecution in Becker County District Court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.