Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) – A Bemidji man faces a gross misdemeanor charge after an October 25, 2026, traffic stop.
Apolinar Morales Femat Jr., 23, allegedly drove a vehicle without a required ignition interlock device.
According to court documents, Femat had a restricted driver’s license requiring the device in any vehicle he operated.
The criminal complaint also cites three previous alcohol-related driving convictions.
Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest
According to the complaint, a Beltrami County deputy was monitoring traffic on Roosevelt on October 25.
The deputy observed a vehicle with expired registration and initiated a traffic stop.
The driver was identified as Apolinar Morales Femat Jr. of Bemidji.
During the investigation, the deputy learned that Femat was required to use an ignition interlock device.
However, the vehicle he was driving reportedly did not have the required equipment.
Femat allegedly told the deputy that an ignition interlock device was installed in his other vehicle.
Authorities arrested Femat and transported him to the Beltrami County Jail.
What Is an Ignition Interlock Device?
An ignition interlock device requires a driver to provide a breath sample before starting a vehicle.
The system is designed to prevent a vehicle from starting when alcohol is detected above its programmed limit.
Some Minnesota drivers must use these devices as a condition of their restricted driving privileges.
Under Minnesota Statute 171.09, violating an ignition interlock restriction can result in a gross misdemeanor charge.
Three Previous Convictions Listed
The criminal complaint identifies three previous alcohol-related driving convictions in Femat’s criminal history.
Those convictions include:
- Case 04-CR-25-510: Driving while impaired conviction in Beltrami County.
- Case 11-CR-24-560: Driving while impaired conviction in Cass County.
- Case 04-CR-22-578: Underage drinking and driving conviction in Beltrami County.
The complaint does not provide the conviction dates or sentences for these earlier cases.
These previous convictions were cited as part of the investigation into the October traffic stop.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed
Prosecutors charged Femat under Minnesota Statute 171.09, subdivision 1(g).
The charge involves operating a motor vehicle without the required functioning ignition interlock device.
The complaint lists a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The filing identifies the alleged offense as a gross misdemeanor.
Minnesota’s ignition interlock law explains the requirements for drivers participating in the program.
Case Filed in Beltrami County Court
The case is listed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District under number 04-CR-26-2679.
The supplied complaint includes an order of detention.
It does not establish a final verdict, plea agreement, or sentence in the current case.
Readers can search for public case updates through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The charge remains an allegation unless proven in court.
Femat is presumed innocent of the current charge unless proven guilty.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
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