Kelly Bednarz Charged in Devils Lake Child-Luring Case

DEVILS LAKE, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – A 70-year-old Devils Lake man faces multiple felony charges after investigators allege he used Facebook to arrange a meeting involving drugs and sexual activity with someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl.

According to a newly filed criminal complaint, Kelly Bednarz is charged with luring minors by computer, promoting a sexual performance by a minor, and second-offense possession of drug paraphernalia related to methamphetamine.

Undercover Facebook Investigation

According to court documents, an agent with the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation was operating an undercover Facebook profile portraying a teenage girl when an account using the name “Kelly Bednarz” initiated a conversation.

Investigators allege the conversation eventually turned to an invitation for the person behind the profile to visit Bednarz’s Devils Lake apartment.

The complaint states that Bednarz allegedly suggested smoking marijuana and using a substance he referred to as “rocket fuel,” a slang term investigators associated with methamphetamine.

After the undercover agent stated that the supposed girl was 15 years old, Bednarz allegedly continued the conversation.

Court documents allege he discussed drugs, alcohol and sexual activity and requested explicit photographs.

The person communicating with Bednarz was an undercover investigator, not an actual 15-year-old girl.

Search Warrant Executed at Devils Lake Apartment

Investigators obtained a search warrant for Bednarz’s Devils Lake apartment and executed it on October 14.

According to the criminal complaint, agents discovered an eyeglass container holding a suspected methamphetamine pipe and a straw.

Investigators also located a cup containing additional straws.

Testing reportedly detected methamphetamine on items recovered during the search.

Authorities say the physical evidence, interviews and other investigative findings connected Bednarz to the Facebook account, telephone number, messages and apartment referenced in the case.

Previous Drug Paraphernalia Case

Court records cited in the complaint indicate that Bednarz pleaded guilty to a separate drug paraphernalia charge in Ramsey County in 2025.

Prosecutors reference that previous case in connection with the current second-offense drug paraphernalia allegation.

The prior guilty plea is separate from the new allegations, which have not been adjudicated.

Three Criminal Charges Filed

The newly filed complaint identifies three offenses: luring minors by computer, promoting a sexual performance by a minor, and second-offense possession of methamphetamine-related drug paraphernalia.

The supplied information does not establish whether any explicit images were actually exchanged or whether an in-person meeting occurred.

No court file number, bail conditions, or upcoming hearing dates were included in the information provided.

The charges remain allegations. Bednarz is presumed innocent of the new offenses unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.