Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — Joseph Robert Fear is facing two charges in Beltrami County District Court after a December traffic stop in Bemidji.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District, Fear was charged in court file 04-CR-26-784.
The complaint says the case began on December 23, 2025, at about 11:00 a.m. A Bemidji Police Department officer stopped a vehicle on Paul Bunyan Drive.
Authorities said the vehicle had an inoperable left rear brake light. The complaint also states the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. A license plate check also showed the vehicle registration was suspended.
Charges Filed In Beltrami County
Fear was identified as the driver. Court records state his driver’s license required the use of an ignition interlock device.
The complaint alleges the vehicle did not have a working ignition interlock device. Fear also allegedly admitted that the vehicle did not contain such a device.
The first charge is a gross misdemeanor. It alleges that fear drove, operated, or controlled a motor vehicle without a certified ignition interlock device.
That charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 171.09. The maximum penalty is 364 days in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
Joseph Robert Fear
No Proof Of Insurance Alleged
Fear is also charged with a misdemeanor count involving proof of insurance.
The complaint says Fear did not have proof of insurance while operating the vehicle. It also states he could not provide proof when asked.
That charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 169.791. The maximum penalty is 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.
The allegations remain claims at this stage. Fear is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More Minnesota court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.