Ada, MN: Man Charged After Meth Use Before Driving

Norman County (trfnews.i234.me) — An Ada man faces a new DWI charge.

The case began during a probation visit in Ada, Minnesota.

Charge Filed

Benjamin Allen Lakeman, 40, of Ada, is charged with a gross misdemeanor.

The count is Second-Degree Driving While Impaired with aggravating factors.

The statute cited is Minnesota Statute 169A.25.

What the Complaint Alleges

Court documents say Lakeman drove to the Norman County Courthouse on December 22, 2025.

He went there for a scheduled probation meeting.

During the appointment, he was required to provide a urine sample.

The complaint says the screening test showed methamphetamine.

The matter was referred to the Norman County Sheriff’s Office, according to the filing.

Investigators later confirmed he drove a vehicle to the courthouse, the complaint states.

The probation officer also provided paperwork from the visit.

That paperwork included a written admission form, according to the complaint.

The form says Lakeman used methamphetamine before he drove to the courthouse.

A urine specimen was collected for confirmatory lab testing.

The sample was submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for analysis.

The complaint notes that the lab result was pending at the time of filing.

Why the Charge Is Enhanced

Second-degree DWI can apply when aggravating factors exist.

In this case, the complaint cites two prior impaired driving convictions.

Those prior convictions are listed as occurring in 2023 and 2024.

The complaint also says Lakeman was on supervised probation at the time.

That supervision was tied to an earlier drug-related DWI case.

Court Process

The case was started by summons, according to the complaint.

A summons orders the defendant to appear in court.

The complaint and summons were signed on January 16, 2026.

Judge Annie P. Claesson-Huseby signed the documents.

Lakeman is expected to appear in Norman County District Court as directed.

Key Dates

• Alleged offense date: December 22, 2025.
• Court filing date: January 16, 2026.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.