Bemidji: Johnson Faces Theft, Meth, Fentanyl Charges
BEMIDJI, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Bethany Marie Johnson faces theft and controlled-substance charges in Beltrami County District Court.
Johnson, 35, is charged in court file 04-CR-26-2050.
The allegations stem from an Aug. 25, 2026, incident at a Bemidji Walmart.
Prosecutors filed one misdemeanor theft count and one gross misdemeanor drug count.
Walmart Theft Alleged
The complaint says police responded to Walmart at 2025 Paul Bunyan Drive Northwest.
Store loss prevention workers had stopped Johnson over an alleged retail theft.
Staff told police Johnson used a different product tag at a self-checkout station.
The complaint says Johnson stated she was trying to receive a discount.
Walmart staff then issued Johnson a one-year trespass notice.
Police also learned Johnson had an outstanding Beltrami County theft warrant.
She was arrested on that warrant, according to the complaint.
Count One alleges theft of property valued at less than $500.
The charge cites Minnesota Statute 609.52.
Bethany Marie Johnson | Beltrami County booking photo
The complaint lists a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail.
It also lists a possible fine of up to $1,000.
Fentanyl and Meth Allegedly Found
Police searched Johnson after her arrest, according to prosecutors.
The complaint says a small plastic container was found inside her clothing.
Investigators allegedly found two tinfoil packets inside that container.
One packet contained a white powder, according to the complaint.
The other reportedly contained a white crystal-like substance.
Police later field-tested both substances at the Beltrami County Jail.
The powder allegedly tested positive for fentanyl.
The crystal-like substance allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine.
Both drugs are listed as Schedule II controlled substances in the complaint.
Fifth-Degree Drug Charge Filed
Count Two charges Johnson with fifth-degree controlled-substance possession.
The count cites Minnesota Statute 152.025, subdivision 2(a)(1).
The complaint classifies this count as a gross misdemeanor.
It lists a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail.
A fine of up to $3,000 is also listed.
The complaint does not state the alleged weight of either substance.
Field-test results are preliminary and are part of the state’s allegations.
Case Remains Pending
The complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court.
Johnson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Current custody information is available through the Beltrami County inmate locator.
Public court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
No police officer names are included in this report.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.