Bemidji Arrest Leads to Felony Meth Charge
Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Laporte man faces a felony drug charge after his arrest near a Bemidji movie theater.
Robert William Scott Nichols, 43, is charged in Beltrami County District Court.
He faces one count of fifth-degree controlled substance possession.
The charge stems from an incident on September 22, 2026.
Man Located Near Bemidji Theater
According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement spotted Nichols around 4:15 p.m.
He was walking through the parking lot near the Bemidji Movie Theater.
Authorities recognized Nichols and knew he had active warrants for his arrest.
The complaint says Nichols was carrying a small cardboard box.
He allegedly appeared to be watching the area for law enforcement.
Box Allegedly Thrown Toward Ditch
As authorities approached, Nichols allegedly moved away and threw the box toward a ditch.
He was then detained and placed in handcuffs.
Nichols reportedly told authorities the box contained a baggie and his cellphone.
Investigators then found a clear baggie containing a white crystalline substance near the box.
The substance was believed to be methamphetamine, according to the complaint.
Authorities also reported finding methamphetamine smoking devices inside the box.
Substance Tests Positive
Nichols was transported to the Beltrami County Jail on the outstanding warrants.
The suspected drugs were later field-tested.
The complaint says the substance tested positive for methamphetamine.
It weighed approximately 3.18 grams with packaging.
Felony Charge Filed
Nichols is charged with felony fifth-degree controlled substance possession.
The charge involves alleged possession of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The offense carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment or a $10,000 fine.
More information about the law is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
The complaint also lists several prior convictions and pending cases.
Those include previous drug and impaired-driving cases.
The new charge is an allegation. Nichols is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
