Detroit Lakes Man Sentenced for Felony Drug Charge

Detroit Lakes, Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) – Brian Douglas Fraser, 67, of Detroit Lakes, has been sentenced in Becker County District Court on a felony first-degree drug charge. On Dec. 11, 2024, Becker County District Judge Gretchen D. Thilmony sentenced Fraser to 65 months in state prison at St. Cloud, stayed for five years.

Fraser was found guilty after selling methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with the Becker County Sheriff’s Office. According to court records, the sale took place on Sept. 25, 2024, when Fraser sold a baggie of methamphetamine weighing 58.35 grams to the informant. The drug was packaged and sold with the assistance of buy fund money.

Law enforcement surveilled the transaction and overheard conversations regarding the price of methamphetamine via a listening device as the informant visited Fraser’s residence. After the sale, officers observed a sandwich baggie containing crystalline substances on the informant’s car seat. The informant confirmed that the baggie was directly purchased from Fraser.

Fraser’s sentence includes 364 days in jail, with credit for 83 days already served. He will not return to the Becker County Jail, but will instead be monitored by the Veterans’ Treatment Court team. In addition, Fraser was ordered to undergo treatment at the St. Cloud VA Hospital, a requirement for his participation in the Veterans Treatment Court.

As part of the sentence, Fraser was also fined $1,000 plus $160 in court fees. He is required to complete a comprehensive mental health assessment, follow all recommendations, and comply with a variety of conditions, including random drug testing, cognitive skill training, and mental health evaluations.

The sentence reflects a downward departure from state sentencing guidelines due to Fraser’s willingness to participate in Veterans Treatment Court. The program provides regular judicial oversight, mandatory treatment compliance, peer mentorship, and integrated care from Veterans Administration services.

Fraser’s treatment plan will be closely monitored, with the goal of rehabilitation and avoiding further incarceration. The Veterans Treatment Court program aims to provide support for veterans in dealing with legal and substance abuse issues.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.