Becker County, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) – A man from Ogema is facing felony drug and gross misdemeanor DWI charges following a traffic stop earlier this year in Becker County.
According to court documents, on January 10, 2025, Deputy Olson with the Becker County Sheriff’s Office pulled over a vehicle on County Highway 21 after noticing the taillights were flickering suspiciously. The driver, later identified as Christopher James Dodd (DOB: 07/30/1987), reacted by shielding his eyes from the flashlight, prompting further suspicion.
Deputy Olson observed a smoking device and a marijuana container inside the car. Dodd admitted to recently completing treatment for methamphetamine use and acknowledged his driver’s license might be revoked. He initially refused to exit the vehicle but complied after some delay, at which point he tossed a “one-hitter” pipe onto the ground.
A search of the vehicle turned up two pills, which were later confirmed to be Hydromorphone Hydrochloride, a Schedule II controlled substance. Field sobriety tests were administered, which Dodd reportedly failed. A warrant for a urine sample was obtained, and lab results returned on March 11, 2025, showed the presence of methamphetamine.
Dodd has a prior conviction for DWI and 5th-degree drug possession in case number 03-CR-23-659, making this a repeat offense.
He is now charged with:
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Count I: 5th Degree Controlled Substance Possession (Felony)
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Count II: DWI – Operating with Any Amount of Schedule I/II Drug in System (Gross Misdemeanor)
If convicted, Dodd faces up to 5 years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines for the felony, and up to 364 days in jail for the DWI.
A summons has been issued for his court appearance.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.