Red Lake Man Charged With DWI, Child Endangerment
RED LAKE, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Ari James Mason faces four charges after a June 2 traffic stop in Beltrami County.
The case was filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. The court file number is 04-CR-26-1273.
Mason is charged with gross misdemeanor DWI and gross misdemeanor child endangerment.
He also faces a gross misdemeanor false-name charge and misdemeanor driving after revocation.
The charges remain allegations. Mason is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Traffic Stop on Highway 89
According to the complaint, a deputy stopped a vehicle for speeding on Highway 89.
The deputy reported seeing the driver open the door and pour liquid from the vehicle.
The complaint says the deputy noticed a strong alcohol odor near the driver.
The driver’s eyes also appeared red and watery, according to court records.
Investigators allege the driver gave another person’s name and birth date.
Authorities later identified the driver as Ari James Mason, the complaint states.
A records check showed Mason’s Minnesota driving privileges were revoked.
Breath Tests and Child Passenger
Mason completed field sobriety tests, which reportedly showed several signs of impairment.
A preliminary breath test measured his alcohol concentration at 0.13, the complaint states.
Ari James Mason.
A later breath test at the Beltrami County jail measured 0.12.
The complaint also states that Mason’s child was inside the vehicle.
Prosecutors allege the situation placed the child at risk of serious harm.
Charges and Possible Penalties
The DWI charge alleges Mason had an alcohol concentration above Minnesota’s legal limit.
It also alleges that two aggravating factors were present during the incident.
The complaint cites a prior DWI case involving Mason.
Each gross misdemeanor charge carries up to 364 days in jail.
Each also carries a possible fine of up to $3,000.
The driving-after-revocation charge carries up to 90 days in jail.
That misdemeanor also carries a possible fine of up to $1,000.
Readers can review Minnesota’s DWI law through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
State laws also cover child endangerment and false information.
The revoked-license law is available under Minnesota Statute 171.24.
Case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
No conviction has been entered in this case.
The complaint gives the prosecution’s account. Its claims have not been tested at trial.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.