BEMIDJI, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Jessica Leah Needham, 30, faces two criminal charges following an October traffic stop in Bemidji.
Prosecutors charged Needham with drug-related driving while impaired and driving after revocation.
The charges stem from an October 12, 2026, traffic stop in Beltrami County.
Traffic Stop Leads to Investigation
According to the criminal complaint, deputies were patrolling Bemidji around 12:14 a.m.
They spotted a vehicle near Jefferson Avenue SW and Carr Lake Road SW.
A registration check showed the vehicle’s registration had expired in November 2025.
Deputies stopped the vehicle near Jefferson Avenue and Harrison Court.
Needham was identified as the driver.
She reportedly told deputies she was returning home from the Nymore area.
Deputies questioned her route because it was not the most direct way home.
The complaint states that Needham became nervous and spoke more loudly.
She allegedly admitted she did not have a valid driver’s license.
She also could not provide proof of insurance.
Deputies Report Signs of Possible Impairment
During the stop, deputies reported several possible signs of impairment.
These included watery eyes, unusual hand and head movements, and limited eye contact.
Deputies also reported that Needham gave different explanations about her earlier activities.
Needham initially denied using controlled substances.
She told investigators she had been sober and reported taking prescribed medications, including gabapentin.
Needham agreed to complete field sobriety testing.
According to the complaint, deputies observed additional signs they believed suggested impairment.
These included eyelid tremors and pupils showing little response to light.
Blood or Urine Testing Authorized
Deputies arrested Needham and transported her to the Beltrami County Jail.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample.
Needham chose to provide a urine sample for testing.
During that process, she reportedly admitted experiencing a relapse earlier in October.
The complaint does not provide laboratory results confirming the presence of a controlled substance.
Driving Record Shows Earlier Revocation
A review of Needham’s driving record showed her license was revoked on December 15, 2017.
According to the complaint, that revocation remained active during the October traffic stop.
The complaint also lists a February 2018 conviction for third-degree DWI.
Two Criminal Charges Filed
Needham faces one gross misdemeanor count of driving while impaired by a controlled substance.
The charge references Minnesota Statute 169A.20 and the state’s third-degree DWI law.
The gross misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.
She also faces a misdemeanor charge of driving after revocation.
That charge falls under Minnesota Statute 171.24.
It carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Case Filed in Beltrami County Court
The case is filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District under court file number 04-CR-26-2520.
The complaint indicates Needham is eligible for DWI Court screening.
That designation does not establish whether she will enter the program.
Additional case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The charges are allegations. Needham 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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