Detroit Lakes Man Charged Over Expired Truck Tabs

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — (trfnews.i234.me) — A Frazee man faces two charges after a traffic stop in Detroit Lakes.

Trey Michael Heinsius has been charged in Becker County District Court.

The charges include intent to escape motor vehicle taxation. He also faces a charge for failing to provide proof of insurance.

The first charge is a gross misdemeanor. It carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail.

The charge also carries a possible fine of up to $3,000.

The insurance charge is a misdemeanor. It carries a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail.

That charge also carries a possible fine of up to $1,000.

Traffic Stop in Detroit Lakes

The case began at about 2:02 a.m. on May 21, 2026.

A Becker County deputy saw a gray Ford F-150 enter Long Bridge Road.

The complaint says the deputy had previously encountered the truck in April 2026.

Records showed the truck’s registration had expired on April 26, 2023.

The truck was still displaying blue registration tabs from 2023, according to the complaint.

The deputy stopped the truck and identified Heinsius as its driver and owner.

Heinsius reportedly said he had driven the truck since 2016.

Prosecutors allege Heinsius delayed or failed to properly register the truck.

They claim the conduct was intended to avoid a motor vehicle tax, fee, or lien.

The charge was filed under Minnesota Statute 168.35.

The law covers intentionally avoiding motor vehicle taxes through registration violations.

The complaint also alleges Heinsius lacked proof of active insurance during the stop.

Minnesota drivers must provide proof of coverage when an officer requests it.

That requirement appears in Minnesota Statute 169.791.

The case was filed in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District under court file 03-CR-26-1045.

The allegations in the complaint have not been proven in court.

Heinsius is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.