Bemidji: Melvin Wilson Booked on Felony Drug, DWI Counts

BEMIDJI (trfnews.i234.me) — Melvin Wilson was listed in Beltrami County Jail records with a custody date of October 15, 2026.

The booking record lists two offenses involving controlled substances and driving while impaired.

One count is classified as felony fifth-degree drug possession.

The second is a gross misdemeanor DWI allegation involving a Schedule I or II controlled substance.

Both counts appear under case number 26016760.

The supplied record does not identify the substance involved or describe the circumstances surrounding Wilson’s arrest.

Felony Drug Possession Allegation

The felony charge involves fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance under Minnesota Statute 152.025, subdivision 2(a)(1).

The statute addresses possession of certain Schedule I, II, III, or IV controlled substances.

It also covers certain drug residue found in paraphernalia.

The supplied booking entry does not identify the amount or type of substance allegedly involved.

No laboratory results, search details, or police narrative were provided.

Under Minnesota Statute 152.025, fifth-degree drug possession can carry felony penalties.

Some qualifying small-quantity possession offenses may instead receive gross misdemeanor treatment under the statute.

Wilson’s supplied booking entry specifically classifies his listed possession count as a felony.

Gross Misdemeanor Drug-Related DWI Count

The second listed offense involves operating a motor vehicle with a qualifying controlled substance or its metabolite in the body.

The charge falls under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, subdivision 1(7).

The provision applies to specified Schedule I or II controlled substances and excludes certain cannabis-related substances.

The booking record classifies Wilson’s DWI count as a gross misdemeanor.

However, it does not identify the controlled substance allegedly detected.

The record also does not provide testing results or the location of the alleged driving incident.

Readers can review Minnesota Statute 169A.20 for the applicable DWI provisions.

Possible Penalties Under Minnesota Law

A felony conviction under the cited drug possession provision can carry up to five years in prison.

The maximum fine for that felony offense is $10,000.

A gross misdemeanor conviction can generally carry up to 364 days in jail.

The maximum gross misdemeanor fine is generally $3,000.

These penalties are possible legal consequences, not sentences imposed against Wilson.

Any final sentence would depend on the charges proven and applicable sentencing rules.

Bail and Court Information

The jail entry lists a bail or fine amount of $0.00.

That figure does not confirm whether Wilson qualifies for release without payment.

District Court is identified as the court branch associated with the case.

No scheduled hearing date appears in the supplied booking information.

The October 15 custody date does not establish whether Wilson remains incarcerated.

A booking record also does not establish that the listed allegations resulted in convictions.

Wilson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Beltrami County Jail and Public Records

The Beltrami County Jail is located in Bemidji, Minnesota.

Readers can find county information through the official Beltrami County website.

Public court records may also be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Additional court records would be needed to confirm hearing dates, release conditions, or the final outcome.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.