Eagle Lake Man Charged with 3rd DWI

An Eagle Lake man was charged with his 3rd DWI. Frank James Tesdahl was charged in Blue Earth County District Court on Monday with one count Felony DWI, which carries a maximum sentence of 7 years or $14,000 fine or both. One Felony count of DWI with an Alcohol Concentration of 0.08 within 2 Hours, which carries a maximum sentence of 7 years or $14,000 fine or both. One count Gross Misdemeanor Driving after cancellation-inimical to public safety, which carries a maximum sentence of 364 days or $3,000 fine. And one misdemeanor count of open container possession, which carries a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine or both.

According to the criminal complaint: On December 28th, 2024, Blue Earth Sheriff’s Office deputies observed a vehicle cross the center line two times and the fog line once. Deputies ran the license plate and observed the registered owner, Frank James Tesdahl, had a cancelled as inimical to public safety driving license.

Deputies initiated a traffic stop. Tesdahl showed signs of impairment including glossy/watery eyes and slurred and deliberate speech. Tesdahl stated he had consumed plenty of alcohol.

Deputies had Tesdahl preform standard field sobriety tests. Tesdahl showed signs of impairment.

Tesdahl was arrested. Inside the vehicle, Deputies found an open mug that contained beer.

Tesdahl agreed to take a test which resulted in a reading of .22 within 2 hours of driving.

Tesdahl has two prior felony DWI convictions.