Fergus Falls: John Donson Booked on DWI Charge
Fergus Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — John Franklin Donson was booked into Otter Tail County custody on August 31, 2026.
The jail record identifies Donson as 62 years old.
The booking entry lists one active misdemeanor DWI allegation.
The cited law is Minnesota Statute 169A.20, subdivision 1(5).
The jail record lists booking number 002600000782.
DWI Allegation Listed
Minnesota law prohibits driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.
The law also applies when that level is measured within two hours of driving.
It covers driving, operating, or being in physical control of a motor vehicle.
The booking information does not list Donson’s measured alcohol concentration.
It also does not describe where the alleged driving occurred.
John Franklin Donson booking photo — Otter Tail County Jail
No crash information was included in the booking entry.
The record does not identify any additional charges.
Readers can review Minnesota Statute 169A.20 through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Booking Classified as Misdemeanor
The jail entry classifies the listed matter as a misdemeanor.
However, Section 169A.20 defines the underlying DWI conduct rather than the final degree.
Minnesota uses other DWI statutes to determine offense degree and penalties.
Those decisions can depend on prior incidents and other aggravating factors.
The brief booking record does not provide those details.
Court records may clarify the exact DWI degree used in Donson’s case.
Booked in Fergus Falls
The Otter Tail County Jail is located in Fergus Falls.
The county says the facility houses both sentenced and unsentenced prisoners.
Donson’s custody date is listed as August 31.
His booking status is listed as active.
No bail amount was included in the information provided.
No court date was included with the booking entry.
Readers can visit the Otter Tail County Jail website for facility information.
Public cases can also be checked through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Charge Remains an Allegation
A jail booking does not establish guilt.
The DWI allegation against Donson must be resolved through the court process.
Future filings may provide test results, hearing dates, and release conditions.
The charge can be amended, dismissed, or resolved during later proceedings.
Donson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Daniel Mercer reporting for northwestmnnow.com.
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