Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji case has led to serious felony charges against Demarcus James Freeman, 34, after a traffic stop on Highway 71, according to a criminal complaint filed in Minnesota’s court system.
Freeman is charged in Beltrami County District Court with second-degree drug possession and illegal firearm possession by a person barred from having a gun. Court records say the case stems from a stop on February 20, 2026, near the south side of Bemidji.
According to the complaint, deputies first noticed an older tan Suburban with very dark front window tint. The vehicle was then stopped at the Cenex South convenience store on Convenience Lane Southeast.
Authorities said Freeman told them he was driving his ex-girlfriend’s SUV and did not have a valid driver’s license. The complaint also says there was a strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Freeman allegedly told deputies he was transporting marijuana within legal limits and had smoked earlier.
What The Complaint Says
The complaint says Wendi Lynn Fairbanks was the front-seat passenger. Authorities said she also could not legally drive. Deputies then decided the vehicle would be towed and searched.
At that point, the complaint says Freeman ran from the scene on foot. Officers chased him and arrested him about 100 yards away.
Investigators allege they found a loaded Glock 19 handgun inside the SUV. The complaint says the gun was later confirmed stolen in the Minneapolis area. Court records also say authorities found more than one gram of fentanyl on Fairbanks.
The complaint further alleges Freeman tried to throw two baggies into the snow while being arrested. Those baggies reportedly held about 10 to 14 grams of fentanyl.
Charges And Prior Convictions
Freeman now faces a second-degree drug charge under Minnesota Statute 152.022. He also faces a firearm charge under Minnesota Statute 609.165.
According to the complaint, Freeman has prior convictions that bar him from possessing a firearm. Those listed convictions include aggravated robbery, fleeing police in a motor vehicle, and second-degree sale of fentanyl.
The complaint also lists a prior 2021 fentanyl sale conviction for Fairbanks in Beltrami County.
A criminal complaint contains allegations. The charges have not been proven in court. Freeman is being held on an order of detention as the case moves through the judicial process.
What Happens Next
The case will proceed in Beltrami County District Court. Possible future hearings, motions, and plea discussions will determine the next steps. Readers can follow official court updates through the Minnesota Judicial Branch case records system.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
