Bemidji Man Charged After Jail Call Leads to Drug Find

BEMIDJI, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man faces felony drug charges after investigators reportedly discovered suspected methamphetamine following a recorded jail phone call.

Christopher Aaron King, 40, is charged with fifth-degree controlled substance possession and misdemeanor fleeing a peace officer.

According to the criminal complaint, King allegedly fled from deputies during an October 2, 2026, home visit.

The following day, investigators reviewed a jail conversation that reportedly led them to suspected drugs hidden near a backyard chair.

Home Visit Leads to Foot Chase

On October 2, around 1:38 p.m., a corrections agent requested assistance from the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office.

The agent was planning a home visit at a residence on Becida Road Southwest.

According to the complaint, King’s mother wanted him to leave her home because of reported damage.

King had reportedly been staying there for several months and refused to move out.

When authorities arrived, they approached an open garage where loud music was playing.

The corrections agent asked King to come outside.

A deputy reportedly noticed what appeared to be a knife partially visible in King’s pocket.

The deputy secured the knife and began checking King for additional weapons.

During the search, King allegedly turned and attempted to escape.

According to investigators, his jacket came off as he ran behind the residence.

King later returned to the garage area, where arriving deputies detained him.

Recorded Jail Call Raises Suspicions

Deputies searched the surrounding property for possible discarded evidence but initially found nothing.

King was arrested on a Department of Corrections warrant and transported to the Beltrami County Jail.

On October 3, an investigator reviewed a recorded outgoing phone call made by King around 9:13 a.m.

During the conversation, King reportedly spoke with a woman believed to be his girlfriend.

According to the complaint, King referred to something located behind the residence near a green rocking chair.

He allegedly mentioned a key case and suggested authorities had not found the item.

The conversation also included statements about becoming sober and moving away from drug use.

Investigators Find Suspected Meth Near Chair

Following the phone call, a deputy returned to the residence.

King’s mother gave authorities permission to search the backyard.

Investigators located a green metal rocking chair and a black security key box nearby.

The deputy collected the box and transported it to the law enforcement center.

Inside, officers reportedly discovered several small baggies containing suspected controlled substances.

A field test on one crystalline substance indicated a positive result for methamphetamine.

Other baggies contained additional crystalline material, including a larger rock-like substance.

The suspected drugs were submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for further testing.

The complaint does not provide final laboratory results.

Bemidji Man Charged After Jail Call Leads to Drug Find

Two Criminal Charges Filed

Prosecutors filed two charges against King in Beltrami County District Court.

Count 1: Fifth-Degree Controlled Substance Possession. Prosecutors allege King unlawfully possessed methamphetamine.

Under Minnesota Statute 152.025, the felony carries up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Count 2: Fleeing a Peace Officer. This charge concerns King’s alleged attempt to escape deputies on foot.

Under Minnesota Statute 609.487, fleeing an officer without a vehicle is a misdemeanor.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Beltrami County Court Proceedings

The case is filed under number 04-CR-26-2484 in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The complaint states King was being held on a Department of Corrections detainer when the charges were prepared.

It does not establish his current custody status or a final outcome in the new case.

Readers can search public filings through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Additional information is available through the Beltrami County District Court.

King is presumed innocent of the new charges unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.

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