BELTRAMI COUNTY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Bemidji woman faces a felony charge after investigators allegedly discovered video showing suspected fentanyl use beside her young child.
Brittany Joshlynne Stately, 36, of Bemidji, is charged with knowingly causing or permitting a child to be exposed to fentanyl.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court, the incident allegedly occurred July 5, 2026.
The child was approximately 15 months old at the time.
Police Investigate Child Protection Report
On July 7, Bemidji police investigated a child protection case involving an incident reported two days earlier.
During the investigation, authorities discovered video allegedly showing Stately and another individual smoking a substance believed to be fentanyl.
The complaint states the incident occurred inside an apartment building on 30th Street in Beltrami County.
Investigators reported that Stately’s young son was present during the suspected drug use.
Video Allegedly Shows Drug Use Beside Child
According to court documents, investigators reviewed video and screenshots showing Stately and another individual heating aluminum foil with a lighter.
Both individuals allegedly held pipes in their mouths during the incident.
The child was seated in a stroller immediately beside them, according to the complaint.
Authorities allege the circumstances exposed the child to fentanyl.
The complaint does not describe any confirmed overdose, injury, or positive toxicology test involving the child.
Police Discover Pipes and Foil
Stately was subsequently arrested as part of the investigation.
According to court documents, investigators discovered plastic pipes and aluminum foil in her possession while she was detained.
Stately was later released, according to the probable cause statement.
The complaint does not establish her current custody status.
Woman Discusses Suspected Fentanyl Use
Investigators also interviewed Stately after advising her of her constitutional rights.
According to the complaint, Stately identified fentanyl as her preferred drug.
She reportedly acknowledged believing she was smoking fentanyl during the July 5 incident.
Those statements were included in the evidence supporting the felony charge.
The complaint does not include laboratory results independently confirming the substance depicted in the video.
Felony Child Exposure Charge Filed
Prosecutors charged Stately under Minnesota Statute 152.137, subdivision 2(c).
The law prohibits knowingly causing or permitting a child to inhale, contact, ingest, or be exposed to fentanyl.
The offense is classified as a felony under Minnesota law.
A conviction carries a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
Case Filed in Beltrami County Court
The case is filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District under court file number 04-CR-26-2460.
The criminal complaint lists a summons for Stately.
Court documents also reference previous theft convictions and a separate pending theft charge.
Those matters are separate from the current fentanyl-related allegation.
The charge remains an allegation. Stately is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The child’s identity and residential information are being withheld to protect the minor’s privacy.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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