Waubun Stop Leads To Interlock Charge
MAHNOMEN COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A Mora woman is facing a gross misdemeanor charge after a traffic stop near Waubun.
Maisie Ann Sargent, 36, of Mora, has been charged in Mahnomen County District Court. The charge is tied to Minnesota’s ignition interlock law.
According to the court complaint, the case began on March 18, 2026. A patrol officer was traveling on U.S. Highway 59 in rural Waubun.
The complaint says a Ford was seen without a front license plate. The vehicle also had a loud exhaust, according to the complaint.
A traffic stop was then made in Mahnomen County. The driver was identified as Maisie Ann Sargent.
Ignition Interlock Allegation
Court documents say Sargent had an ignition interlock requirement on her driving privileges. That means she was licensed to drive only with a working device installed.
The complaint alleges the Ford she was driving did not have an ignition interlock device installed.
Under Minnesota law, ignition interlock devices are used to measure breath alcohol concentration. The device can stop a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected.
More information about Minnesota’s ignition interlock program is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Charge Filed In Mahnomen County
Sargent is charged with operating a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock. The charge is listed as a gross misdemeanor.
The complaint cites Minnesota Statute 171.306.6(c). It also references Minnesota Statute 171.09.1(g).
The maximum penalty listed in the complaint is 364 days in jail. It also carries a possible $3,000 fine, or both.
The court file number is 44-CR-26-261. The prosecutor’s file number is 0440029701.
A summons was issued in the case. The complaint was filed in the Minnesota District Court, 9th Judicial District.
The charge is an allegation. Sargent is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Readers can find general Minnesota court information through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
