MAHNOMEN, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Craig Joseph Burnette, 44, of Naytahwaush, faces a gross misdemeanor charge following a traffic stop in Mahnomen.
The charge involves driving after license cancellation, classified as inimical to public safety.
According to a Mahnomen County criminal complaint, police stopped Burnette’s vehicle on September 7, 2026.
The case was filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District under court file number 44-CR-26-539.
Police Spot Vehicle Without Visible License Plates
According to the complaint, officers were conducting patrol duties around 5:03 a.m. on September 7.
They noticed a vehicle traveling westbound on Highway 200 in Mahnomen.
The vehicle reportedly had no visible license plate, prompting an officer to conduct a traffic stop.
After approaching the vehicle, an officer asked the driver to provide his driver’s license.
The driver identified himself as Craig Joseph Burnette and reportedly said he did not have a driver’s license.
Burnette told police the vehicle belonged to a relative, according to the complaint.
He also reportedly said he did not know why the vehicle had no license plates.
Driver’s License Reportedly Canceled
During the stop, officers contacted dispatch to check Burnette’s driving privileges.
Dispatch reportedly confirmed that his driving status was canceled as inimical to public safety.
Police then asked Burnette to exit the vehicle and placed him in handcuffs.
According to the complaint, officers transported Burnette to the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office.
He was booked and released without incident, the court document states.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed in Mahnomen County
Burnette faces one count of driving after cancellation under Minnesota Statute 171.24, subdivision 5.
The law prohibits driving after certain license cancellations or denials when the driver knew or reasonably should have known.
This offense is classified as a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota law.
If convicted, Burnette could face up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The complaint alleges that Burnette operated a vehicle despite having reason to know his driving privileges were canceled.
The complaint identifies September 7 as the offense date and describes the traffic stop that morning.
However, one sentence in the charging description refers to September 9. The document does not explain this discrepancy.
Mahnomen County Court Proceedings
The criminal complaint was issued with a summons rather than an order for continued detention.
The supplied court document does not provide a scheduled hearing date or describe a final court outcome.
Readers can search Minnesota Court Records Online using case number 44-CR-26-539.
Additional information is available through the Mahnomen County District Court.
The complaint contains one criminal charge. It does not allege impaired driving or identify any alcohol or drug testing.
The charge remains an allegation, and Burnette is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
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