Ponsford Man Charged After Highway 44 Stop
Ponsford (trfnews.i234.me) — William Lawrence Butcher Sr. is facing a gross misdemeanor charge in Becker County District Court.
The charge follows a March 27, 2026, traffic stop on Highway 44 in Becker County.
According to a criminal complaint, Butcher was charged with driving after cancellation. The complaint says his driving status was canceled as inimical to public safety.
Highway 44 Traffic Stop
Court records say a vehicle was seen parked in the roadway on Highway 44.
The complaint says the vehicle’s driver-side tires were over the center line.
The vehicle then drove away, according to the complaint. It was later seen crossing the center line.
A traffic stop was made, and the driver was identified as William Lawrence Butcher Sr.
According to the complaint, Butcher told law enforcement he did not have a license.
A check of his driving status showed his license was canceled as inimical to public safety.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed
Butcher is charged under Minnesota Statute 171.24.
The complaint lists the offense as driving after cancellation, inimical to public safety.
The charge is filed as a gross misdemeanor.
The complaint states the maximum penalty is 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The case was filed in Becker County District Court, 7th Judicial District.
The court file number listed in the complaint is 03-CR-26-817.
After the stop, Butcher was booked into the Becker County Jail.
The complaint says he was later released.
Case Remains Pending
A criminal complaint is not a conviction.
It is a formal accusation filed in court.
Butcher is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Additional court information may be available through Minnesota Judicial Branch records.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
