East Grand Forks Man Faces Felony Gun Charge

East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — Jacob Lee Jensen faces a felony firearm charge in Polk County District Court.

Prosecutors allege Jensen possessed a loaded Smith & Wesson .40-caliber handgun during an August traffic stop.

The complaint says Jensen was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction.

The alleged offense happened on August 16, 2026, in East Grand Forks.

The charge carries up to 15 years in prison, a $30,000 fine, or both.

Traffic Stop on DeMers Avenue

Law enforcement saw a Dodge Ram leave the Fairfield Inn and travel west on Highway 2.

The complaint says several objects were hanging from the rearview mirror.

Authorities believed the objects blocked the driver’s view.

The pickup was stopped in the 300 block of DeMers Avenue.

Jacob Lee Jensen was identified as the driver.

A female passenger was also inside the pickup.

During the stop, Jensen and the passenger agreed to a search of the vehicle.

Authorities reported finding a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber handgun near the center console.

The firearm was inside a holster and had a loaded magazine, according to the complaint.

Investigators said the handgun was positioned close to Jensen while he was driving.

A records check showed Jensen had prior felony convictions in North Dakota.

The complaint specifically cites a 2025 felony conviction involving theft of a firearm or ammunition.

Prosecutors allege that conviction prohibited Jensen from possessing a firearm under Minnesota law.

Authorities arrested Jensen and transported him to the East Grand Forks Police Department.

Jensen then provided a voluntary statement, according to court records.

He said the pickup belonged to his girlfriend’s father.

Jensen said he had taken the truck to pick up his girlfriend from work.

He acknowledged knowing the handgun was inside the vehicle, according to the complaint.

Jensen also allegedly acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing firearms.

However, Jensen denied touching the handgun.

He told investigators that his DNA should not be found on the weapon.

Jensen also agreed to provide a DNA sample, according to the complaint.

The charge is filed under Minnesota Statute 609.165.

The statute restricts firearm possession by certain people convicted of crimes of violence.

The case is filed as State of Minnesota v. Jacob Lee Jensen.

The court file number is 60-CR-26-1197 in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Public records are available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The criminal complaint contains allegations and does not establish Jensen’s guilt.

Jensen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.