Bemidji Man Faces 4 Felony Drug, DWI Charges

Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man faces four felony charges following a September traffic stop in Beltrami County.

Joel David Burdick, 41, is charged in Beltrami County District Court.

The charges include drug sale, drug possession, and first-degree DWI counts.

The alleged offenses happened on September 13, 2026, according to the criminal complaint.

Traffic Stop Begins Investigation

A Beltrami County deputy reported seeing a vehicle traveling 67 mph in a 55 mph zone.

The stop happened around 7:40 a.m. on Grange Road Northwest.

Burdick was identified as the driver, according to court records.

The complaint says Burdick could not provide proof of insurance.

Authorities also reported that his driver’s license required an ignition interlock device.

The vehicle did not have that requirement fulfilled, according to the complaint.

Police reported seeing shaking, quick movements, and other behavior they believed suggested possible impairment.

Burdick initially said he had been free from substances for about four years.

He later said he used marijuana, according to court records.

Authorities conducted field sobriety testing and reported several signs of possible impairment.

Burdick was then arrested.

Police reported finding $2,773 in cash in his pocket.

Investigators also searched the vehicle.

They reported finding plastic bags, a digital scale, and two bags containing a crystalline substance.

The scale allegedly contained methamphetamine residue.

The suspected methamphetamine weighed 12.64 grams with packaging, according to the complaint.

Police also reported finding marijuana in several bags.

Burdick allegedly admitted using methamphetamine and possessing the suspected methamphetamine.

He denied selling drugs, according to the complaint.

Prosecutors filed a third-degree drug sale charge under Minnesota Statute 152.023.

They also filed third-degree and fifth-degree drug possession charges.

The third-degree counts each carry maximum penalties of 20 years in prison.

Each also carries a possible $250,000 fine.

The fifth-degree drug charge carries up to five years and a $10,000 fine.

Burdick also faces felony first-degree DWI under Minnesota Statute 169A.24.

That count carries up to seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine.

The complaint cites a prior felony DWI conviction from 2023.

A urine sample and suspected drugs were submitted for testing, according to the complaint.

Criminal charges are allegations. Burdick is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

More information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.