Detroit Lakes (trfnews.i234.me) — Samuel Allen Stone, 65, of Detroit Lakes, has been sentenced in Becker County District Court.
Stone was sentenced for felony first-degree DWI, test refusal, according to court records.
A second felony, first-degree DWI charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
Hit-And-Run Report Led To Stop
The case began on the afternoon of Dec. 1, 2025.
According to court records, Detroit Lakes police stopped the vehicle Stone was driving.
The stop followed a report of a hit-and-run crash.
Stone first said someone ran him off Highway 10.
He later admitted the crash was his fault, according to the complaint.
Court records say Stone admitted drinking about four beers.
He later said he drank too much, according to the criminal complaint.
Stone ultimately refused to submit to chemical testing.
Samuel Allen Stone
Prior DWI Convictions Listed
Court records say Stone had prior felony DWI convictions.
Those included Minnesota felony DWI convictions in 2008 and 2003.
He also had a North Dakota felony DWI conviction from 2004.
Those prior cases were listed in the Becker County court record.
Prison Term Stayed For DWI Program
On April 1, District Judge Michelle W. Lawson sentenced Stone.
Stone received a 54-month prison sentence at St. Cloud.
That sentence was stayed for five years.
The sentence was a downward departure from state guidelines.
The court granted the departure because Stone agreed to complete Becker County DWI Court.
Stone was ordered to serve 67 days in jail.
He received credit for 67 days already served.
He was also fined $1,000, plus $190 in court fees.
Stone must pay restitution once that amount is set.
Probation Conditions Ordered
Stone was placed on supervised probation for five years.
He was ordered not to drink alcohol.
He also may not use non-prescribed drugs.
The court ordered a comprehensive assessment.
Stone must complete cognitive skills training.
He must also complete a victim impact panel.
Stone must complete 30 days of electronic alcohol monitoring each year.
The timing will be set by his probation agent.
He must also follow all DWI Court rules and orders.
More court information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Information about Becker County District Court is available from the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.