Facility Leadership & Contacts
Direct communication with the facility is often necessary for verifying release eligibility or emergency notifications.
- Sheriff
- Trevor J. Wright
- Jail Administrator
- Blayne Olson
- Main Office Phone
- (320) 422-7800
- Physical Address
- 203 7th Street North, Wheaton, MN 56296
Inmate Communication: Phone & Messaging
The Reliance Telephone system is the designated provider for inmate telecommunications in Traverse County. Please note that inmates cannot receive direct incoming calls from outside the facility.
- Fund an Inmate Wallet: Deposits for voice calls, video calling, and electronic messaging can be managed via reliancetelephone.com.
- Voice Messaging: You may leave a 24/7 voicemail for an inmate by calling (320) 403-1144.
- Prepaid Collect Calls: Families can fund a specific phone number to ensure they are always reachable from the facility.
Visitation: Rules & Scheduling
Visitation at the Traverse County Jail is conducted via secure video technology. To ensure facility security, all visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
- Remote Visits: Available via the Reliance portal during designated facility hours.
- Onsite Visits: Conducted at the kiosks in the Law Enforcement Center lobby during administrative hours.
- Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID is required. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Mailing Instructions & Restrictions
To maintain safety, the jail strictly regulates incoming mail. All personal correspondence is subject to inspection for contraband.
- Mailing Address: Inmate Full Legal Name, Traverse County Jail, P.O. Box 826, Wheaton, MN 56296.
- Photos: Limited to 20 photographs per envelope (max size 8.5" x 11"). Polaroid photographs are not accepted.
- Prohibited Items: Do not use stickers, glitter, perfume, or lipstick. Items containing these will be rejected and returned to the sender.
- Legal Mail: Must be clearly marked "Attorney-Client Privileged" and include the attorney's professional return address.
Bail, Bonds, & Financial Support
In Traverse County, bail and inmate funding can be managed through several secure channels.
1. Posting Cash Bail
Bail can be posted at the Traverse County Courthouse (702 2nd Ave North, Wheaton) during regular business hours.
- Online/Phone Payments: Use the Minnesota Court WebPay portal or call (800) 657-3611 for eligible cases.
- After-Hours: Contact the Sheriff's Office at (320) 422-7800 for current release instructions.
2. Bail Bond Agencies
If full cash bail is not an option, contact a Minnesota-licensed bond agent (such as Absolute Bail Bonds or AAA Bail Bonds) serving the Western Minnesota region. A non-refundable 10% premium is the industry standard.
The 8th Judicial District Process
The legal process in Wheaton follows the standards set by the 8th Judicial District:
- The 36-Hour Rule: Minnesota law generally requires a first court appearance within 36 hours of arrest (excluding Sundays and holidays).
- Remote Hearings: Because there are no resident judges stationed permanently in Wheaton, hearings are often conducted via remote technology or by traveling judges on a circuit.
- Rule 25 Assessments: For drug or alcohol-related offenses, a chemical health evaluation is often a mandatory condition of release, coordinated by Western Probation Services.