Bemidji Jail Holds Cobenais on DWI Charges

BELTRAMI COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — James Cobenais was booked into the Beltrami County Jail on August 10, 2026.

Jail records list two gross misdemeanor charges against Cobenais.

Both charges are filed under Beltrami County case number 2026012801.

DWI Charge Listed

One charge alleges Cobenais operated a motor vehicle in violation of Minnesota’s impaired driving law.

The charge is filed under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, subdivision 1(7).

That provision covers certain Schedule I or II controlled substances or their metabolites.

The provision excludes cannabis, hemp products, and several related substances.

The booking record classifies the DWI allegation as a gross misdemeanor.

Readers can review Minnesota Statute 169A.20 through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.

James Cobenais — Beltrami County Jail booking photo

Cobenais also faces a driving-after-cancellation charge.

The jail record describes the charge as driving after cancellation for public safety reasons.

The charge is filed under Minnesota Statute 171.24, subdivision 5.

That offense is also listed as a gross misdemeanor.

The statute covers driving while certain canceled or denied driving privileges remain in effect.

Readers can view Minnesota Statute 171.24 on the state’s official website.

The booking record lists Cobenais at 5 feet, 11 inches tall.

His listed weight is 250 pounds.

His hair and eye colors are both listed as brown.

The booking information shows a bail or fine amount of $0.00.

No court date was listed in the information provided.

District Court is listed as the court branch handling the case.

Current custody information can be checked through the Beltrami County inmate locator.

A jail booking does not establish guilt.

The charges against Cobenais remain allegations unless proven in court.

Future court filings may provide more information about the case.

Those records may include hearing dates, release terms, or other court orders.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.