According to a criminal complaint filed in Otter Tail County District Court, Donald James Helps Sr., 63, of Fergus Falls, is charged with fifth-degree drug possession and driving after cancellation, described as inimical to public safety.<\/p>\n
The charges stem from an incident reported on March 3, 2026, in Otter Tail County.<\/p>\n
Traffic Stop Leads To Investigation<\/h2>\n
The complaint states authorities received information that Helps had driven a vehicle to a residence in Otter Tail County.<\/p>\n
Officials said Helps\u2019 driver status was listed as canceled due to being considered a public safety risk.<\/p>\n
The complaint alleges Helps was seen entering a residence that law enforcement knew from prior investigations.<\/p>\n
Authorities later observed Helps leave the location with another person.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Helps moved to the passenger seat while the other person drove the vehicle.<\/p>\n
The vehicle was stopped, and authorities confirmed the identities of both occupants.<\/p>\n
The complaint states that Helps admitted he drove the vehicle to the residence and knew his driving status was canceled.<\/p>\n
Suspected Drugs And Cash Found<\/h2>\n
During the investigation, authorities said a search of Helps found a hypodermic needle cap.<\/p>\n
The complaint states that a police K9 indicated possible controlled substances inside the vehicle.<\/p>\n
Authorities then searched the vehicle and reported finding several items.<\/p>\n
The listed items included a digital scale with a white crystalline substance, a glass pipe, and small plastic bags.<\/p>\n
The complaint also states that investigators found cash stored in containers inside the vehicle.<\/p>\n
Authorities reported finding $3,258 in one location and another money bag containing $5,672.<\/p>\n
Investigators also reported finding about 6.3 grams of a substance believed to be psilocybin mushrooms.<\/p>\n
According to Minnesota law, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance.<\/p>\n
Court Charges<\/h2>\n
Helps faces one felony count of fifth-degree drug possession.<\/p>\n
That charge carries a possible maximum sentence of up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n
He also faces a gross misdemeanor charge for driving after cancellation.<\/p>\n
That charge carries a possible penalty of up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n
The allegations are contained in a criminal complaint. Court records show charges are not convictions, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n
More information about Minnesota court records can be found through the Minnesota Judicial Branch<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n
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