Valerie Jo Bellanger, 42, is charged with giving police another person\u2019s name. The charge was filed in Becker County District Court.<\/p>\n
The case remains pending. Bellanger is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n
Vehicle Reportedly Fled Traffic Stop<\/h2>\n
According to the criminal complaint, a deputy saw a vehicle on County Highway 21 on April 1.<\/p>\n
The vehicle\u2019s registration had reportedly expired in December 2025.<\/p>\n
The deputy turned around and attempted to catch the southbound vehicle. The complaint says the deputy reached speeds of 120 mph.<\/p>\n
The vehicle was later seen traveling east on County Highway 34 near Richwood.<\/p>\n
It allegedly slowed and entered a driveway without a nearby home. Emergency lights were activated during the attempted stop.<\/p>\n
The vehicle continued beside a garage before stopping suddenly, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
A man then left the driver\u2019s seat and ran away. Officers also found tracks leading from the passenger side.<\/p>\n
![\"Valerie](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BellangerValerie.png\")
Valerie Jo Bellanger<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nWoman Allegedly Gave Another Identity<\/h2>\n
Another officer later found the female passenger.<\/p>\n
The complaint says she identified herself using her sister\u2019s name. She also allegedly provided her sister\u2019s birth date.<\/p>\n
The woman was taken to a hospital for medical clearance. She was later released.<\/p>\n
The driver was eventually found and arrested, court records state.<\/p>\n
During an April 3 court appearance, the driver reportedly disputed the passenger\u2019s stated identity.<\/p>\n
He told the court that the passenger was named Valerie, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
Hospital Billing Raised Questions<\/h2>\n
The sister later contacted law enforcement after receiving a hospital billing call.<\/p>\n
She said someone had received care under her name on April 1.<\/p>\n
An investigator reviewed body-camera footage from the incident. The investigator also compared the woman with a booking photograph.<\/p>\n
The complaint alleges the passenger was Bellanger.<\/p>\n
Minnesota law makes it a crime to give police another person\u2019s identity to obstruct justice. More information is available through the Minnesota Legislature<\/a>.<\/p>\n The charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail. It may also carry a fine of up to $3,000.<\/p>\n