Authority challenged
Aug 13, 2025

Chief deputy sheriff of Benson County faces three felony charges


August 13, 2025

On July 24, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office arrested Chief Deputy Travis Carlson from the Benson County Sheriff’s Office. A dozen charges, including three felonies, were filed against him.

Carlson allegedly arrested citizens of the Spirit Lake Tribe without proper authority from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, according to a press release sent by the tribe’s public relations specialist.

According to court documents, charges include tampering with public records, unlawful arrests and disorderly conduct. The Grand Forks County Correctional Center told Buffalo’s Fire Carlson was released the day following his arrest after making a bail of $10,000.

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