On February 11, 2026, Deputy Stracek initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on County Road 104 in Carlton County for operating without license plate lights. After conducting an records check on the license plate, the vehicle yielded history with Chase James Christioan [DOB REDACTED] hereinafter Defendant. Deputy Stracek had multiple past law enforcement contacts with Defendant which include possession of stolen checks and a loaded firearm. Upon approaching the vehicle, the driver was identified as Defendant.
Deputy Stracek was aware that Defendant was still on pre-trial release for multiple felony level check forgery charges. During the traffic stop, Deputy Stracek observed a lock bank deposit bag in the back seat of the vehicle. When asked about the bag, Defendant claimed the bag was not his bag. The bag was labeled Business Expenses, Invoices/Account Information and not something an individual person typically carries around. Deputy Stracek then noticed that Defendant behavior changed by pushing his head against the steering wheel, breaking eye contact, and Defendant hands were shaking.
Deputy Stracek then returned to his squad and contacted the on call probation agent and spoke with Dawn LeDoux about his observations. Probation then instructed Deputy Stracek to seize the bag for a potential Pre-trial release violation of criminal activity and transport the bag to probation. Probation also instructed Defendant to report to probation that morning at 830am. The locked bank deposit bag was transported to the probation office. When Defendant reported to probation, he voluntarily opened the locked bag and complied with the terms of his pre-trial release contract.
Inside the locked bank deposit bag were several stolen and forged checks. Two of the stolen checks are listed below that was found in Defendant’s possession. The investigation is ongoing on the other checks that did not belong to Defendant that was found in his possession. Check #10645 from Village of Oliver for $5430 that forged into Defendant’s name Check# 3308 from ENG was issued to Elan Financial Services for $4307.18 was found in Defendant’s possession.
