Detroit Lakes (trfnews.i234.me) A Becker County criminal complaint charges Gage Michael Halverson, 20, after a January traffic stop in Detroit Lakes.
Charges Filed
According to the complaint, Halverson faces one gross misdemeanor count of intent to escape taxation. He also faces one misdemeanor count for failing to provide proof of insurance.
The case was filed in Becker County District Court. The court file number listed in the complaint is 03-CR-26-119.
The tax-related charge cites Minnesota Statute 168.35. The insurance-related count cites Minnesota Statute 169.791.
What the Complaint Says
The complaint says an officer saw a silver Hyundai Accent spin out near the city park loop at about 2:02 a.m. on Jan. 4, 2026.
Authorities identified the driver as Halverson. He allegedly said the car was his. He also said his father insured it.
Investigators later reviewed a photo of an insurance card sent by email. The complaint says the image was incomplete. It also did not show a policy start date.
Authorities then compared the vehicle identification number and license plates. The complaint says the plate on the silver hatchback belonged to a different Hyundai Accent.
The complaint also says another Hyundai linked to Halverson was found at his residence. Investigators say that vehicle displayed a plate assigned to the silver hatchback.
Police checked the vehicles again on Jan. 5 and Jan. 6, according to the complaint. The silver Hyundai was later found parked at Central Market.
Investigators say the VIN on that car matched the silver hatchback. The displayed plate still matched the green sedan, according to the complaint.
The complaint also says one of the plates showed tabs that expired in July 2025.
Insurance Purchase Timing
According to the complaint, police later contacted Progressive Insurance. Investigators were told the policy shown in the emailed image was purchased after the traffic stop.
The complaint says the policy was bought about one hour after proof of insurance was requested.
What Happens Next
These are criminal charges, not a conviction. Halverson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Readers can review court information through the Minnesota Judicial Branch. State law can be reviewed through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.