Callaway Woman Accused of Using Sister’s Name

BECKER COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A White Earth woman faces a gross misdemeanor charge after an April traffic incident near Callaway.

Valerie Jo Bellanger, 42, is charged with giving police another person’s name. The charge was filed in Becker County District Court.

The case remains pending. Bellanger is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Vehicle Reportedly Fled Traffic Stop

According to the criminal complaint, a deputy saw a vehicle on County Highway 21 on April 1.

The vehicle’s registration had reportedly expired in December 2025.

The deputy turned around and attempted to catch the southbound vehicle. The complaint says the deputy reached speeds of 120 mph.

The vehicle was later seen traveling east on County Highway 34 near Richwood.

It allegedly slowed and entered a driveway without a nearby home. Emergency lights were activated during the attempted stop.

The vehicle continued beside a garage before stopping suddenly, according to the complaint.

A man then left the driver’s seat and ran away. Officers also found tracks leading from the passenger side.

Valerie Jo Bellanger

Woman Allegedly Gave Another Identity

Another officer later found the female passenger.

The complaint says she identified herself using her sister’s name. She also allegedly provided her sister’s birth date.

The woman was taken to a hospital for medical clearance. She was later released.

The driver was eventually found and arrested, court records state.

During an April 3 court appearance, the driver reportedly disputed the passenger’s stated identity.

He told the court that the passenger was named Valerie, according to the complaint.

Hospital Billing Raised Questions

The sister later contacted law enforcement after receiving a hospital billing call.

She said someone had received care under her name on April 1.

An investigator reviewed body-camera footage from the incident. The investigator also compared the woman with a booking photograph.

The complaint alleges the passenger was Bellanger.

Minnesota law makes it a crime to give police another person’s identity to obstruct justice. More information is available through the Minnesota Legislature.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail. It may also carry a fine of up to $3,000.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.