Joseph Paul Lajeunesse, 41, is charged in Beltrami County District Court. The case was filed under court number 04-CR-26-1245.<\/p>\n
Felony Drug Charge Filed<\/h2>\n
The complaint charges Lajeunesse with fifth-degree controlled substance possession. That count is listed as a felony.<\/p>\n
He also faces fourth-degree burglary. That count is a gross misdemeanor.<\/p>\n
The charges stem from an incident reported around 7:22 p.m. on May 29, 2026.<\/p>\n
Walmart staff reported a suspected shoplifting case to Bemidji police. Staff identified Lajeunesse and reported an earlier trespass notice.<\/p>\n
The complaint states the notice was issued on May 23, 2026. It reportedly ordered him to leave and not return.<\/p>\n
Flashlight Allegedly Concealed<\/h2>\n
Store staff told police they saw Lajeunesse hide a flashlight. Police later reviewed store surveillance video.<\/p>\n
The video allegedly showed Lajeunesse taking the flashlight from a shelf. The complaint says he placed it inside his clothing.<\/p>\n
![\"Joseph](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/LajeunesseJoseph.png\")
Joseph Paul Lajeunesse<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAn officer stopped Lajeunesse as he left the store. He was then taken to the store\u2019s asset protection office.<\/p>\n
Lajeunesse allegedly removed the flashlight and placed it on a table. Police then arrested him on an active warrant.<\/p>\n
Powder Allegedly Tests Positive<\/h2>\n
Police searched Lajeunesse during the arrest. The complaint says they found a small foil packet in his pocket.<\/p>\n
The packet contained a fine white powder, according to the filing. Lajeunesse reportedly said he found it on the ground.<\/p>\n
A field test indicated the substance was fentanyl. The powder weighed about 0.11 grams, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
Minnesota law covers fifth-degree controlled substance crimes under Section 152.025<\/a>.<\/p>\n Fourth-degree burglary is covered under Section 609.582<\/a>.<\/p>\n The drug count carries a listed maximum sentence of five years. It also carries a possible $10,000 fine.<\/p>\n The burglary count carries a listed maximum sentence of 364 days. It also carries a possible $3,000 fine.<\/p>\n The case is pending in Minnesota\u2019s Ninth Judicial District. Public information may appear through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The charges are allegations. Lajeunesse is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\nCase Remains Pending<\/h2>\n