Lavontae Thomas Curry has been charged with driving under the influence of cannabis and driving after revocation.<\/p>\n
According to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court, the incident occurred on August 18, 2026.<\/p>\n
The charges followed a traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and a blood test that detected THC.<\/p>\n
Traffic Stop Begins With Vehicle Violations<\/h2>\n
The complaint states that a Beltrami County sheriff’s deputy was monitoring traffic around 10:38 p.m.<\/p>\n
The deputy noticed a dark-colored Chrysler traveling northbound on Roosevelt Road Southeast.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, the vehicle had a defective license plate light and a loud exhaust.<\/p>\n
The deputy stopped the Chrysler near New Strand Road Southeast.<\/p>\n
During the stop, the deputy reported noticing several possible signs of impairment.<\/p>\n
These included slurred speech, red and glassy eyes, and a sluggish appearance.<\/p>\n
The complaint states Curry struggled while providing his name and date of birth.<\/p>\n
Curry also told the deputy he did not have a Minnesota driver’s license.<\/p>\n
A records check reportedly confirmed that his driving privileges had been revoked.<\/p>\n
Field Sobriety Tests Raise Concerns<\/h2>\n
The deputy noticed a clear plastic cup containing liquid and ice inside the vehicle.<\/p>\n
When questioned about the drink, Curry reportedly said he did not know what it contained.<\/p>\n
The deputy suspected possible impairment and asked Curry to complete field sobriety tests.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Curry agreed.<\/p>\n
During testing, the deputy reported problems with Curry’s balance, coordination, and ability to follow directions.<\/p>\n
The complaint states Curry nearly fell several times during the walk-and-turn test.<\/p>\n
He also reportedly swayed and used his arms for balance during the one-leg stand test.<\/p>\n
A preliminary breath test registered no alcohol.<\/p>\n
Curry Reportedly Admitted Marijuana Use<\/h2>\n
After the tests, the deputy asked Curry whether he had used any substances that could affect his driving.<\/p>\n
Curry reportedly admitted smoking “a joint or two” before going to work that evening.<\/p>\n
He also acknowledged that marijuana would likely appear in a blood or urine test.<\/p>\n
Based on the observations and statements, the deputy arrested Curry on suspicion of impaired driving.<\/p>\n
Authorities transported him to a Bemidji emergency room for further testing.<\/p>\n
Blood Test Detects THC<\/h2>\n
A judge approved a search warrant to obtain a blood or urine sample.<\/p>\n
At approximately 12:42 a.m. on August 19, Curry was presented with the warrant.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Curry agreed to provide a blood sample.<\/p>\n
Analysis by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified three cannabis-related compounds.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Delta-9-THC:<\/strong> 15.9 nanograms per milliliter<\/li>\n
- Hydroxy-THC:<\/strong> 5.1 nanograms per milliliter<\/li>\n
- Carboxy-THC:<\/strong> 220 nanograms per milliliter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
THC is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis.<\/p>\n
However, blood THC levels alone do not establish a specific level of driving impairment.<\/p>\n
The prosecution’s allegations also rely on the deputy’s reported observations and Curry’s statements.<\/p>\n
Two Misdemeanor Charges Filed<\/h2>\n
Prosecutors filed two misdemeanor counts against Curry in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.<\/p>\n
The first charge alleges driving under the influence of cannabis under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, subdivision 1(8).<\/p>\n
The second charge alleges driving after revocation under Minnesota Statute 171.24, subdivision 2(a).<\/p>\n
Each offense carries a maximum possible penalty of 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n
Those penalties represent statutory maximums, not a sentence imposed in this case.<\/p>\n
Readers can review Minnesota’s impaired driving law<\/a> and driving after revocation law<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Beltrami County Court Case<\/h2>\n
The case is filed in Beltrami County District Court under court file number 04-CR-26-2388.<\/p>\n
The criminal complaint outlines the deputy’s observations, Curry’s reported statements, and the laboratory findings.<\/p>\n
Additional case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n
The complaint does not establish that Curry was legally impaired or guilty of either offense.<\/p>\n
Curry is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n
- Hydroxy-THC:<\/strong> 5.1 nanograms per milliliter<\/li>\n
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