Naytahwaush Man Charged After Traffic Stop

Naytahwaush, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) Joseph Benjamin Thompson of Naytahwaush has been charged after a December traffic stop in Mahnomen County.

According to a criminal complaint, Thompson faces one gross misdemeanor count of driving after cancellation. The filing says the cancellation was tied to public safety.

Court records identify the case as Mahnomen County file 44-CR-26-50. Prosecutors filed the complaint in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District.

What the complaint says

The complaint says law enforcement saw a southbound vehicle with one headlight out. The same vehicle also showed expired registration, according to the filing.

The stop happened at County Road 4 and Center Street in Naytahwaush. The date listed in the complaint is December 27, 2025. The time listed is about 4:39 p.m.

Authorities identified the driver as Joseph Benjamin Thompson, 48, of Naytahwaush. Dispatch then reported his driving status was canceled, the complaint says.

The charge was filed under Minnesota Statute 171.24. The complaint specifically cites subdivision 5. That section covers driving after cancellation or denial as inimical to public safety.

Case details and possible penalty

The complaint lists the offense as a gross misdemeanor. It also lists a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

A criminal complaint contains allegations. It is not a conviction. Thompson must still answer the charge in court.

Readers who want to track the case can use Minnesota Court Records Online. Local government information is also available through the Mahnomen County website.

The complaint lists Thompson’s address in Naytahwaush. The filing does not describe any crash or injury linked to the stop.

The case remains pending in Mahnomen County District Court. More hearings or filings could be added as the case moves forward.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.