Beltrami County, MN – Jessica Brunelle was arrested on February 10, 2025, and booked into the Beltrami County Jail on charges of criminal vehicular operation and failing to stop at a traffic collision resulting in injury. She is currently being held without bail and awaits a hearing in District Court.
Charge Details
Criminal Vehicular Operation – Bodily Harm – Alcohol Concentration .08 or More Within 2 Hours of Driving (Minnesota Statute 609.2113.3(4)) – Gross Misdemeanor Traffic Collision – Driver Fails to Stop – Injury or Death (Minnesota Statute 169.09.1) – Gross Misdemeanor
Understanding the Charges
- Criminal vehicular operation occurs when a driver causes bodily harm while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol (BAC .08 or more within two hours of driving). This is a serious gross misdemeanor offense with potential jail time and severe legal consequences.
- Failing to stop at a crash involving injury is considered a hit-and-run, which can result in additional penalties, including a suspended license and mandatory restitution for victims.
Potential Penalties If Convicted
- Up to one year in jail per gross misdemeanor charge
- Fines up to $3,000 for each offense
- License suspension or revocation
- Mandatory alcohol treatment and probation requirements
Brunelle remains in custody, and her court date has not yet been scheduled. More details may emerge as legal proceedings continue.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News