Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Cass Lake man is facing a gross misdemeanor charge after police say he gave alcohol to a person under 21.
Jared Allen French, of Cass Lake, is charged in Beltrami County District Court.
The charge is furnishing or giving alcoholic beverages to a person under 21.
The case was filed under court file number 04-CR-26-786.
The alleged offense happened on September 2, 2025, in Bemidji.
Roadside Call In Bemidji
According to the criminal complaint, police were called to 617 Lake Avenue NE.
The call came in around 1:00 a.m.
The report involved two men holding someone down along the side of the road.
When police arrived, they found French holding down his 18-year-old brother.
The brother is identified in the complaint by initials, K.C.
The complaint says K.C. had glassy and bloodshot eyes.
It also says his speech was slurred.
Police reported a strong odor of alcohol coming from him.
Emergency Hold Reported
French told police that K.C. was suicidal, according to the complaint.
The complaint says K.C. made statements about harming himself.
He was then taken to the emergency room on an emergency hold.
No injury details were listed in the complaint.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988.
Alcohol Allegation
After the roadside response, French spoke with police.
According to the complaint, French said he should be in jail.
He allegedly said he had provided alcohol to K.C.
French told police he bought the alcohol around 6:00 p.m.
He said he then gave the alcohol to K.C., according to the complaint.
French also allegedly said he never told K.C. to stop drinking.
The complaint says K.C. drank about a 12-pack of alcoholic Twisted Tea.
Charge Carries Jail Time Or Fine
The charge cites Minnesota Statute 340A.503.
The complaint lists the charge as a gross misdemeanor.
The maximum sentence is 364 days in jail.
The charge also carries a possible $3,000 fine.
Beltrami County District Court is part of Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.
More court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
French is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
