Minneapolis Man Sentenced to Over 7 Years After Drug and Gun Bust

A Minneapolis man is heading to prison for more than seven years after drugs, a loaded handgun, and a ballistic vest were found in his vehicle during a traffic stop near Detroit Lakes.
44-year-old Ryan Lee Schmidt was pulled over on Brandy Lake Road on October 25, 2024, for a faulty license plate light. Deputies suspected impairment and arrested him. A search of his vehicle uncovered a loaded Ruger handgun with a hollow-point round, over 17 grams of meth and cocaine hidden inside a Pringles can, and a ballistic vest rated to stop 9mm and .357 magnum bullets.
Schmidt, who has prior felony convictions for burglary and domestic assault, refused a urine test at the jail. On Jan. 30, Judge Michelle Lawson sentenced him to 88 months at St. Cloud prison, giving him credit for 96 days served.
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Bemidji Man Sentenced After Stabbing a Man in the Face
A fight in White Earth turned violent when a 25-year-old Bemidji man stabbed another man in the face—resulting in a prison sentence, but with a chance to avoid serving time.
It happened on Jan. 2, 2024. Jaden Lee Wood attacked the victim inside a home, punching him repeatedly. When the man tried to leave, Wood followed him outside and stabbed him in the face, causing a deep cut, swelling, and heavy bleeding.
Deputies found Wood inside the house with blood on his arms, swollen knuckles, and a bloody folding knife in his pocket.
On Jan. 28, Judge Gretchen Thilmony sentenced Wood to 12 months in prison, stayed for five years, meaning he won’t serve time unless he violates probation.
Wood must also:
• Serve 100 days in jail (already completed)
• Undergo substance abuse and mental health evaluations
• Complete a behavioral intervention program
Wood is now on five years of supervised probation.
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Detroit Lakes Woman Accused of Stealing a Truck and Running Up a Gas Station Tab
A Detroit Lakes woman is facing felony theft and credit card fraud charges after allegedly borrowing a truck and never bringing it back.
50-year-old Bobbi Jo LaCrosse took the vehicle on Jan. 3, telling the owner she needed it for a quick trip. When she never returned, the owner reported it stolen.
By Jan. 5, security footage at a Frazee gas station showed LaCrosse using the stolen vehicle and credit card to make two transactions totaling over $65.
On Jan. 9, authorities recovered the truck in Detroit Lakes, but the owner discovered two boat motors and a miter saw—worth over $1,100—were missing.
LaCrosse is set to appear in Becker County District Court on March 13 before Judge Michelle W. Lawson.