LENGBY (trfnews.i234.me) — A Minnesota State Patrol commercial vehicle inspector faces a criminal charge involving alcohol at a graduation party.
Dean James Templin, 50, of Lengby, is accused of furnishing alcohol to people under the age of 21.
The alleged incident occurred between May 26 and June 23, 2026, at a residence in Mahnomen County.
According to court documents, the allegations surfaced following conversations between Templin and fellow State Patrol employees.
Graduation Party Sparks Investigation
Investigators received information on June 24 about a graduation celebration held at Templin’s residence after Memorial Day.
One coworker told investigators that Templin had described providing beer to several underage guests.
The coworker alleged that Templin purchased alcohol without getting permission from the teenagers’ parents.
Some guests reportedly stayed overnight, while others received rides home.
Another coworker recalled Templin discussing beer at his son’s graduation party.
That employee said Templin offered rides or overnight accommodations to guests who had consumed too much alcohol.
The coworker believed several young people attending the gathering were 17 or 18 years old.
Templin Disputes Providing Alcohol
During a June 26 interview, Templin reportedly denied directly giving alcohol to his son or other young guests.
He told investigators that the youths had taken a cooler containing beer from his shop.
According to the complaint, the group then went elsewhere on the property and consumed alcohol.
Templin said he discovered the drinking and warned everyone against driving home.
He also reported discovering that a bottle of Captain Morgan rum was missing from his refrigerator.
Witnesses Describe What Happened
Investigators interviewed several people who attended the graduation gathering.
One 17-year-old witness said young guests took a cooler filled with beer from the garage.
That witness questioned claims that Templin purchased alcohol specifically for minors.
Another minor said the beer had originally been purchased for adults attending the graduation celebration.
The witness claimed Templin was present when his son suggested the younger guests could take the remaining beer.
According to that witness, Templin appeared to approve of the arrangement.
Max Heide, 18, also spoke with investigators about the gathering.
Heide confirmed attending a bonfire and said he drove two people home.
He denied drinking alcohol and said he was unsure whether Templin knew about the drinking.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed
Templin faces one gross misdemeanor charge under Minnesota Statute 340A.503.
The law prohibits furnishing alcoholic beverages to individuals younger than 21.
The alleged violation is classified as a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute 340A.702.
If convicted, Templin could face up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
Case Filed in Mahnomen County Court
The case is filed in Mahnomen County District Court under case number 44-CR-26-581.
The complaint is marked as a summons.
No plea, conviction, or final case outcome was included in the documents provided for this report.
Readers can check public records through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The charge remains an allegation. Templin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
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