Williston Man Driving Stolen SUV in Otter Tail Discovered for Using His Phone While Driving

Marquis Charleston. (OTCDF)

Fergus Falls, MN – A North Dakota man was discovered to be driving a stolen vehicle in Otter Tail County after being pulled over for using his phone while driving.

Prosecutors say 37-year-old Marquis Jerell Charleston of Williston was pulled over in a gray Jeep SUV by a State Trooper at around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 23, for swerving on the road and crossing the center line multiple times.

When walking up to the car, the trooper observed Charleston’s phone was face up and open to a message app. The trooper says Charleston admitted to reading messages despite Minnesota’s hands-free law.

During the traffic stop, the trooper was informed by dispatch that the Jeep had been reported stolen out of North Dakota earlier that day. Charleston said the Jeep belonged to his stepdaughter and that he had the vehicle for four days.

Charleston was taken into custody. He made his first court appearance Tuesday morning and has been charged with the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and receiving stolen property, as well as violating the hands-free driving law.