The charge follows a March 27, 2026, traffic stop on Highway 44 in Becker County.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Highway 44 Traffic Stop<\/h2>\n
Court records say a vehicle was seen parked in the roadway on Highway 44.<\/p>\n
The complaint says the vehicle\u2019s driver-side tires were over the center line.<\/p>\n
The vehicle then drove away, according to the complaint. It was later seen crossing the center line.<\/p>\n
A traffic stop was made, and the driver was identified as William Lawrence Butcher Sr.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Butcher told law enforcement he did not have a license.<\/p>\n
A check of his driving status showed his license was canceled as inimical to public safety.<\/p>\n
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed<\/h2>\n
Butcher is charged under Minnesota Statute 171.24<\/a>.<\/p>\n The complaint lists the offense as driving after cancellation, inimical to public safety.<\/p>\n The charge is filed as a gross misdemeanor.<\/p>\n The complaint states the maximum penalty is 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n The case was filed in Becker County District Court, 7th Judicial District.<\/p>\n The court file number listed in the complaint is 03-CR-26-817.<\/p>\n After the stop, Butcher was booked into the Becker County Jail.<\/p>\n The complaint says he was later released.<\/p>\n A criminal complaint is not a conviction.<\/p>\n It is a formal accusation filed in court.<\/p>\n Butcher is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n Additional court information may be available through Minnesota Judicial Branch<\/a> records.<\/p>\nCase Remains Pending<\/h2>\n
![\"Ponsford](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ponsford-Man-Charged-After-Highway-44-Stop-300x200.png\")