Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) – A man from Kelliher, Minnesota, is facing felony and gross misdemeanor charges after allegedly stealing a vehicle from a friend and driving it despite having a license canceled as inimical to public safety.
According to the complaint, Charles Esley Hale, 55, reportedly took a truck from the parking lot of Big Dick’s Sporting Goods in Kelliher on June 2, 2025. The owner, R.P., told authorities she hadn’t given permission and suspected Hale, an acquaintance staying on her property, because he knew where the vehicle was and that the keys were in it.
The State Patrol later stopped Hale near Turtle River, where he admitted to taking the vehicle to visit his mother in Virginia, MN, and was heading back. He stated he was “looking for housing” but confirmed he had not asked for permission to take the vehicle.
Hale’s driver’s license was canceled, making it illegal for him to operate any vehicle. He now faces:
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Felony Theft – up to 5 years in prison or $10,000 fine
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Driving After Cancellation-IPS – up to 364 days in jail or a $3,000 fine
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.