Some golfers were surprised and frightened Tuesday, Aug. 9, when a bear charged them while they were on the ninth hole at the Little Falls Country Club, before heading toward the 18^th hole and a residential area.

The Little Falls Police Department and the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office reported the call came in at about 1:06 p.m.  The caller stated the bear left and headed toward a residential area.

Officers from the Little Falls Police Department and the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office responded, and observed several children in the area, playing in yards and walking on the sidewalks as well as several people golfing on the golf course. They located the bear in small patch of woods along the river, near hole 18, which is also a residential area.

After several unsuccessful attempts to get the bear, officers consulted with the DNR. It was determined the bear was a threat to public safety and that it would be shot. The DNR said several previous complaints were made about a bear in the area.

The Little Falls Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office.

Tevin Jay Maurstad, 21, Minneapolis and Willard Duane Reed, 21, Cass Lake, were each charged Aug. 5 with two felonies relating to drug possession.
Specifically, Maurstad was charged with a felony count of aggravated controlled substance crime in the first degree and two aggravating factors as well as a felony count of third degree possession of 10 grams or more of a narcotic other than heroin.
Reed was charged with felony first degree possession of 50 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine and a felony count of third degree possession of 10 grams or more of a narcotic other than heroin.
The charges stem from an Aug. 4 incident in which a Morrison County Sheriff’s deputy stopped an SUV allegedly driven by Maurstad, which had windows believed to be more tinted than allowable by law.
According to the criminal complaint, during the stop Maurstad allegedly admitted to not having a valid driver’s license. During the process of speaking to Maurstad, the officer noticed an odor of marijuana coming off of Maurstad.
Maurstad then allegedly admitted to having marijuana and having smoked it.
The officer found the marijuana that Maurstad said was located in the center console. The officer was assisted by a state trooper, who found 9.1 grams of marijuana in the glove box.
Inside the hood of the vehicle, the deputy allegedly found a .45 caliber handgun wrapped in a T-shirt and tucked in the engine compartment.
Also allegedly located later in the search was a box that contained 61.65 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for meth. Additionally, the box contained 27.68 grams of marijuana, 17.2 grams of cocaine and another small box was discovered with 3.98 grams of cocaine.
During a search of Reed’s person, officers allegedly found 9.3 grams of meth in his socks.
Further inspection of the engine compartment allegedly revealed another T-shirt wrapped around digital scales, a ziplock-style bag, and three additional bags of meth weighing 114.5 grams each.
If convicted, each man faces a maximum of 30 years in prison and/or up to $1 million in fines for one count and a maximum of 20 years and/or up to $250,000 in fines for the second felony count.
Maurstad had previously been convicted of a violent offense in the past 10 years, and was convicted of felony in possession of a firearm in 2013.

Adam Robert Hageman, 36, Motley was charged Tuesday with three felony counts related to a domestic incident.
The charges stem from an Aug. 7 incident in which Hageman got into an argument with two family members.
According to the criminal complaint, officers arrived on the scene, and talked to the first victim, who stated that Hageman had come over earlier, allegedly starting a confrontation.
The victim allegedly stated that Hageman grabbed his throat, but then left.
Hageman allegedly returned later, and was confronted by a second family member.
That person alleged  Hageman got out of his vehicle and shoved him, which began a wrestling match between the two.
The two scuffled, and Hageman allegedly got  hold of the victim’s gun and pointed it at him, saying he would kill him.
The victim feared for his life, but the first victim returned and allegedly removed the gun from Hageman.
The second victim showed deputies a bite mark allegedly made by Hageman.
Hageman was arrested, but allegedly claimed self defense. He also stated that the victims had grabbed him by the neck and dragged him approximately 500 feet down the driveway, but officers did not observe anything on Hageman’s neck.
Hageman was previously convicted in 2012 for terroristic threats, which is a crime of violence, making it illegal to possess a firearm. Hageman also has multiple domestic violence-related offenses on his record in the past 10 years.
If convicted of a felony in the possession of a firearm, Hageman faces a maximum of 15 years in prison and/or up to $30,000 in fines. For a second degree assault charge, Hageman faces a maximum of seven years in prison and/or up to $14,000 in fines. And finally, for the domestic assault charge, he could face a maximum of five years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines.

Benjamin Lawrence Breault, 20, Swanville, had two felony counts of assaulting and fleeing a peace officer and a misdemeanor of obstructing the legal process dismissed due to mental deficiency, Aug. 5.
The charges stemmed from a Nov. 30, 2015 incident in which according to the criminal complaint, at about 5:02 a.m., law enforcement was dispatched to investigate a report of a suspicious vehicle on Balsam Road near Swanville.
An officer on the scene observed a vehicle on a field road with its headlights on, with the brake lights and flasher lights turning on and off.
The officer was aware of recent burglaries in the area, and so drove to the vehicle, at which point the vehicle‘s lights were turned off.
The officer activated his emergency lights, at which point the driver got out of the car, wearing what appeared to be pajama bottoms and a hooded jacket, but no shoes.
When asked for his name, the suspect said his name was Ben. He was later identified as Breault. Dispatch advised that the vehicle belonged to a female party.
Breault allegedly kept ranting and raving, getting in and out of his vehicle and would not follow commands. He then allegedly took off driving through a cornfield.
Law enforcement followed the vehicle through several cornfields with emergency lights activated. Breault pulled up to a residence and the officer instructed him to get out of the vehicle. Breault allegedly refused and rushed into the house.
When confronted inside by the officer, Breault allegedly began to physically fight with the officer, swinging at his face and kicking his leg.
Breault continued to fight with officers when escorted out of the house. One officer was hit in the head, while another suffered scrapes and bruises.
When questioned later by law enforcement, Breault allegedly admitted fleeing the officer because he was afraid he would be tased. He allegedly stated he was in the car using marijuana and went into the house because the officer “had no right” to stop him on private property.
Breault had faced up to five years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines for the most serious charge of fourth degree assault.

Tammara Hope Wells, 43, Little Falls, was charged Aug. 5 with burglary in the second degree in Morrison County District Court.
The charge stems from a May 10 incident in which Wells and a man allegedly broke into someone’s home.
Only a juvenile was home at the time of the incident, and the juvenile hid in fear of the intruders.
Wells and her accomplice allegedly stole loose tobacco in bags, cigarette papers and a cigarette rolling machine in addition to several DVDs.
The homeowner allegedly saw the pair come out of the house with the items and confronted them, but they allegedly fled the scene.
Statements from the parents of the juvenile victim stated that the family did know Wells and her accomplice, but had not given them permission to enter the home or take the items.
The parents stated the doors were locked, but that Wells and her accomplice were able to get in by damaging a door.
If convicted, Wells faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and/or up to $20,000 in fines.

Mitchell John Lee, 36, St. Cloud, was charged Wednesday with one count of check forgery with the intent to defraud in Morrison County District Court.
The charges stem from several incidents involving a check forgery operation. Lee’s charges stem specifically from a Jan. 16 incident in which a person allegedly cashed a nearly $300 check at a business in Little Falls, which the victim claimed was in his name.
The victim stated he did not cash the check or ask anyone to do so.
Officers reviewed surveillance from the store, which allegedly showed the suspect.
Officers sent a photo to an officer in Sartell, who was allegedly able to identify the suspect as Lee.
If convicted, Lee faces a maximum of five years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines.

The following people, charged with a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor level crime in Morrison County District Court, have recently been sentenced:

Gross Misdemeanors
•    Kelive LeMore Oatis, 37, Little Falls; (offense: 4/17/2016) third degree DWI, fined $410, sentenced to 21 days in jail and supervised probation for four years. Dismissed against Oatis was one gross misdemeanor count of DWI.
•    Thomas Anthony Rochat, 33, Little Falls; (offense: 4/6/2016) domestic assault, fined $135, sentenced to two days in jail and supervised probation for two years.
•    Mark Lee Schaufel, 34, Little Falls; (offense: 3/14/2016) dismissed against Schaufel was a gross misdemeanor charge of driving after cancellation.
•    Jeremiah John Francis, 29, Little Falls; (offense: 1/16/2016) driving after cancellation, fined $385, sentenced to 5 days in jail and supervised probation for two years.
•    Kemp Shane Johnson, 31, Burtrum; (offense: 7/18/2016) dismissed against Johnson was a gross misdemeanor count of driving after cancellation.
•    Benno Andrew Virnig, 48, Hillman; (offense: 10/27/12) criminal sex conduct, fined $385, sentenced to 21 days in jail and supervised probation for 3 years.

Misdemeanors
•    Cassandra Ann Kronenberg, 32, Staples; (offense: 6/10/16) disorderly conduct, fined $185.

Bruce Duane Anderson, 59, Princeton, was charged Wednesday with one felony count of making terroristic threats and one misdemeanor count of stalking in Morrison County District Court.
The charges stem from a May 24 incident in which a victim reported being threatened by Anderson.
According to the criminal complaint, the victim stated that Anderson allegedly threatened him after he did not like a furnace that the victim sold him, which was installed by a subcontractor.
According to the victim, Anderson said that he was “a dead man walking,” and that “your kids will be watching you take your last breath.”
Anderson allegedly admitted to threatening the victim, but only threatened to beat him up.
The victim said he was worried for his family.
If convicted, Anderson faces a maximum of five years in prison and/or a up to $10,000 in fines for the felony, and a maximum of one year in jail and/or up to $3,000 in fines for the misdemeanor.

The Todd County Sheriff’s Office is looking for assistance in locating Alan Michael Thomas, 47, of Osakis, MN. Alan left his residence in Osakis on August 4, 2016 and traveled to Blaine to visit friends. He planned to return home the same day but his family and friends have not seen or heard from him since. Alan has medical issues that require him to take daily medication. It is also unusual for him not to be in contact with family and authorities and his family are concerned for his welfare. Alan is described as 5’8”, 185 pounds with green eyes and bald. He is driving a 2008, charcoal gray Scion TC with a spoiler on the back with Minnesota license plate 039NEH. He has a tattoo of “Thomas” across his shoulder blades and a Japanese tattoo on his shoulder. Alan also has circular scars on his head from surgeries. If you think you have seen Alan or have information regarding his whereabouts, contact the Todd County Sheriff’s office at 320-732-2157 or dial 911.

DWI crash that paralyzed young girl, injured family members, demonstrates dangers of poor choices

Drunk driving kills. Drunk driving seriously injures. Drunk driving is preventable, and law enforcement statewide will be focusing on keeping Minnesotans safe as they celebrate the final weeks of summer. More than 300 agencies will be taking drunk drivers off the road as part of the extra DWI enforcement campaign Aug. 19 — Sept. 5.

Summer Winds Down, DWIs Go Up

More Minnesotans need to plan ahead as summer winds down. In the last five years (2011 – 2015), August was the worst month for DWI offenders, averaging 2,509 arrests, followed by March (2,399) and July (2,354). On average, drunk driving will be a contributing factor in one fatality, and alcohol will be involved in two life-changing injuries during the Labor Day holiday period.

Serious Injuries Are Life-changing Injuries

While people can survive serious injuries, they can face a lifetime of difficulties. For Erica Bodell of Cambridge, she and her three children survived when a drunk driver hit her vehicle in November 2015 but all four were injured. Her 3-year-old daughter is paralyzed, and other injuries to the family included broken legs, a fractured skull and nerve damage.

“I am very fortunate to be alive and that my three children are alive,” said Bodell. “I could have easily died last November, and I could have lost my family. I’m thankful we’re alive, but I’m also sad, angry and frustrated that a drunk driver changed our lives forever. Please don’t make a bad decision to get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking.”

Encouraging Downward Trend in DWI Arrests

Minnesotans can stop themselves and others from getting behind the wheel impaired. An increasing number of motorists are making smart choices behind the wheel with DWI arrests declining by 40 percent in the last 10 years.

DWI HISTORY

“Nothing beats hanging out with friends and family during a Minnesota summer, but it’s a problem when we think we’re okay to drive after having a few drinks,” said Donna Berger, Office of Traffic Safety director. “Celebrate over Labor Day weekend but have a plan for yourself and others before anybody gets behind the wheel. Friends don’t let friends drink and drive.”

The Toll of Drunk Driving

• Each year, an average of 253 life-changing injuries involve alcohol-related crashes.
• In the last five years (2011 – 2015), 17 percent of all fatal crashes in Minnesota during the Labor Day holiday period were drunk driving-related.
• In the same five-year span, there were 462 drunk driving-related traffic deaths in Minnesota.

DWI Consequences

A DWI offense can result in loss of license for up to a year, thousands of dollars in costs and possible jail time. Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above alcohol-concentration level, must use ignition interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges or face at least one year without a driver’s license. Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.

Commit to a Sober Ride

• Plan for a safe ride — designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation or stay at the location of the celebration.
• Speak Up – Offer to be a designated driver or be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere.
• Buckle up — the best defense against a drunk driver.
• Report drunk driving — call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Be prepared to provide location, license plate number and observed dangerous behavior.

About the Minnesota Department Public Safety

DPS comprises 11 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.

About the Office of Traffic Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (DPS-OTS) designs, implements and coordinates federally funded traffic safety enforcement and education programs to improve driver behaviors and reduce the deaths and serious injuries that occur on Minnesota roads. DPS-OTS also administers state funds for the motorcycle safety program and for the child seats for needy families program.

DPS-OTS is an anchoring partner of the state’s Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) traffic safety program. A primary vision of the TZD program is to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota in which motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior. TZD focuses on the application of four strategic areas to reduce crashes – education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency medical and trauma response.

Recent DPS-OTS Activity and Statistics

• Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts 2015 is a summary of traffic crashes derived from law enforcement reports and describes how, why and where crashes occurred and who was involved.
• Law enforcement statewide issued 13,214 citations for unsafe speeds and 1,543 seat belt citations during the extra speed enforcement campaign July 8 – 22.
• Law enforcement handed out 7,233 seat belt and 213 child restraint citations during the most recent Click It or Ticket extra enforcement campaign.

Gabriel Alexander Silas, 31, Sauk Centre had a felony domestic assault by strangulation charge dismissed as part of a plea agreement Monday.
On Nov. 16 , 2015 around 2:59 a.m., law enforcement responded to a 911 call at a residence in Little Falls. Officers arriving at the scene heard voices on the other side of the door, one of whom said he “wasn’t going to go to jail.”
The door was answered by a woman who appeared to have been crying. Silas was also present. The two were living together and had been a couple for about four years.
The victim said she and Silas had a verbal argument and he became violent, pushing the victim and throwing her on the floor.
Officers noted marks were visible on the victim’s neck, as well as bruises on her arms, all of which were documented in photographs.
Silas pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor domestic assault charge.
He was sentenced to 90 days in jail, of which he received credit for 85 days as time served. He also is on probation for two years and has $185 in fines.
If Silas fails to meet the conditions of his probation, the case will be restarted, said Assistant County Attorney Todd Kosovich, who  was the prosecutor in the case.

Morrison County Attorney Brian Middendorf and his staff have filed gross misdemeanor complaints against the following people:
•    Christopher James Schuman, 29, Little Falls­ — In connection with an Aug. 8 incident, Schuman has been charged with one count of obstructing legal process with force, one count of fifth degree assault and one count of disorderly conduct.
•    Jesse James Witucki, 25, Little Falls — In connection with an Aug. 8 incident, Witucki has been charged with one count of obstructing legal process with force, one count of fleeing a peace officer by a means other than a motor vehicle and one count of disorderly conduct.
•    James Earl Wunderlich, 37, Little Falls — In connection with an Aug. 6 incident, Wunderlich has been charged with one count of driving after cancellation.
•    Linda Kay Hines, 53, Royalton — In connection with an Aug. 4 incident, Hines has been charged with one count of violation of a restraining order.
•    Jonathon Scott Lyon, 36, Foley — In connection with an Aug. 7 incident, Lyon has been charged with two counts of DWI.
•    Susan Kaye Mack, 57 — In connection with an Aug. 8 incident, Mack has been charged with one count of driving after cancellation.
•    Jeremy Lee Phillips, 33, Upsala — In connection with an Aug. 13 incident, Phillips has been charged with two counts of DWI.
•    Jack Charles Havrilak, Randall — In connection with a Aug. 15 incident, Havrilak has been charged with one count of driving after cancellation.
If found guilty, they could face a maximum penalty of one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
The court will set their appearance date.

Aug. 5 — A resident on 170th Avenue in Royalton reported someone stole their debit card and was using it at a store in Florida. The card was used to make three separate purchased in the amount of $304.94.
Aug. 6 — Someone stole items from a vehicle parked at an establishment on Main Street in Upsala. Stolen was $10, some papers and three sets of gloves.
Aug. 7 — A resident on 63rd Street in Hillman reported the theft of nine heifers.
Aug. 8 — A business on 320th Street in Cushing reported the theft of gasoline.
Aug. 10 — Someone stole a U-Haul truck and left it parked at an establishment in Motley.
Aug. 10 — Someone vandalized a driveway to Camp Shamineau using spray paint.
Aug. 11 — A business on Main Street in Upsala reported a gas drive-off.
Aug. 11 — A resident on Wanderland Drive in Pierz reported a scam in which they received a call with a local bank number showing on their caller ID. The resident said when they answered there was an automated message asking for personal information. The resident hung up and called the local bank and was told the bank didn’t have an automated recording as the resident described. Law enforcement called the number that showed up on the caller ID with the local bank’s name and got another business and was informed that the business had not made such a call.
Aug. 12 — Someone blew off fireworks in a mailbox on 300th Avenue in Pierz.
Aug. 12 — Someone knocked down a road sign at the corner of Highway 27 and 180th Avenue in Little Falls.
Aug. 13 — Someone stole a political campaign sign from a resident on Second Avenue North in Bowlus.
Aug. 14 — A business on 320th Street in Cushing reported a gas drive off.
Aug. 14 — Someone used a key to damage a vehicle parked on DeGraff Avenue in Swanville.
Aug. 15 — Someone hit and damaged a directional sign at a park on Haven Road in Little Falls.
Aug. 15 — Someone stole a 1,000 gallon propane tank located at a property on Highway 10 in Motley.
Aug. 15 — A resident on 168th Street in Pierz reported their credit card number had been stolen and used at a store in Hastings, with purchases totaling $155.49.
Aug. 15 — Someone stole items from a boat parked on Tee Road in Cushing. The items included a black rubber fishing net with a black metal handle, valued at $75, a small fishing net, also with a black metal handle, valued at $15, and two orange rechargeable spotlights, valued at $100 each.
Aug. 15 — A business on Highway 27 West in Little Falls reported the theft of items including climbing gear from a vehicle at the business.
Aug. 15 — A resident on 50th Avenue in Little Falls reported a scam in which a caller left a message saying the resident owed money to the Treasury Department and the resident was to call a number to make a payment.
Aug. 16 — A resident on Bear Road in Cushing reported a scam in which they received a call from someone claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. The caller said a mistake had been found on the resident’s taxes and the resident owed additional money.
Aug. 17 — Someone riding an ATV tore up property at the intersection of 100th Avenue and 40th Street in Bowlus.

The following people, charged with a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor level crime in Morrison County District Court, have recently been sentenced:
Gross Misdemeanors
•    Travis Gene Anderson, 32, North Branch; (offense: 12/28/15) third degree DWI, fined $985, sentenced to 30 days in jail and supervised probation for four years. Dismissed against Anderson was one gross misdemeanor count of third degree DWI.
•    Thomas Anthony Rochat, 33, Little Falls; (offense: 4/6/16) domestic assault, fined $135, sentenced to three days in jail and supervised probation for two years. One count of domestic assault was dismissed.
•    Jeremiah John Francis, 29, Little Falls; (offense: 1/16/2016) driving after cancellation, fined $385, sentenced to five days in jail and supervised probation for two years.
•    Charles Jon Brezinka, 50, Little Falls; (offense: 7/29/2016) second degree DWI, fined $615, sentenced to 90 days in jail and supervised probation for six years. Dismissed against Brezinka was one gross misdemeanor count of second degree DWI.
•    Kassandra Marie Doble, 23, Little Falls; (offense: 1/19/2016) endanger child – permit present sale/possess controlled substance, fined $285, sentenced to nine days in jail and supervised probation for two years.
•    David Joseph Gottwalt, 40, Royalton; (offense: 7/1/2016) second degree DWI, fined $585, sentenced to 45 days in jail and supervised probation for six years.
Misdemeanors
•    Keith Robert Boser, 35, St. Cloud; (offense: 1/2/2016) disorderly conduct, fined $385, sentenced to three days in jail and supervised probation for one year.
•    Jared Donald Hoheisel, 21, Pierz; (offense: 7/10/2016) DWI, fined $110, sentenced to two days in jail and supervised probation for two years.
•    Tyler Guy Lillemoe, 20, Little Falls; (offense: 12/25/2015) harassment restraining order, fined $135, sentenced to 59 days in jail.

Aug. 5 — Someone spray-painted and defaced several signs on a vehicle parked on First Street Southeast.
Aug. 6 — Someone stole a wallet from a motor vehicle parked on Broadway East.
Aug. 7 — A resident on First Street Northeast reported a scam.
Aug. 8 — A resident on Lilac Lane in Little Falls reported a scam on Facebook.
Aug. 8 — A resident on 11th Street Southwest reported a theft by credit card.
Aug. 8 — A resident on 10th Avenue Northeast reported a theft.
Aug. 9 — A resident on Riverview Drive reported a scam.
Aug. 11 — A resident on 11th Street Northeast reported someone had broken four lug nuts off their van. Damage was estimated at $100.

Two men allegedly threatened to burn down the home of a Somali family in Little Falls if they didn’t move out.

The Little Falls Police Department spoke with Anab Ali, Aug. 11, who said two white males, one about 30 and the other about 65, came to her home Aug. 7, accused her of being a terrorist and told her Muslims were not allowed in Little Falls.

Ali told officers the older man was yelling loudly and she told them she was not going to leave town, when the threat to burn down her home was made.

The younger man, according to the report told her to move to St. Cloud and leave Little Falls.

The younger male was described of officers as being tall with a medium build, and had shoulder length blonde hair, a goatee, and was wearing sunglasses, jean shorts and a T-shirt.

The older man was described as being about 5’foot, 7-inches tall, strong-built, with white hair and a tattoo on the side of his neck as well as down both of his arms. He too was wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap.

The case is currently being investigated. Anyone with information on who the two men are should contact the Little Falls Police Department at (320) 616-5570.

Aaron James Athmann, 31, Little Falls, was convicted of second and third degree felony drug charges Aug. 17 in Morrison County Court. A felony first degree drug charge was dismissed.

On Sept. 14, 2015, law enforcement received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked at the end of a driveway. Officers arrived at the scene, located the vehicle and identified a man exiting the vehicle as Athmann.

Athmann told officers that he had been kicked out of his residence and was parked there because he was going to sleep in his truck.

An officer observed a number of items associated with drug use in plain sight inside the vehicle, including butane torch lighters and a bundle of small plastic bags. Athmann appeared to be nervous and fidgety. He admitted that he drove to the scene but did not have a driver’s license.

Law enforcement officers asked for and were given consent to search the vehicle.

During the search, Athmann admitted to having some drugs in the vehicle. Officers found a lockbox containing a crystal-like substance that later field-tested positive for methamphetamine. The weight of the substance was later found to be 13.3 grams.

Also found was a liquid which Athmann stated was from his bong. It also field-tested positive for methamphetamine, and weighed a total of 43.8 grams.

A bag of pills was also found — a total of 93 pills were counted and identified as a schedule II controlled substance used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, with a known potential for abuse. Athmann said the pills did not belong to him. Other drug paraphernalia was also found.

Then, on Nov. 27, 2015,  law enforcement was approached by a confidential informant who stated that he or she could purchase methamphetamine from Athmann in Little Falls.

An officer met with the informant and provided $1,000 in prerecorded bills as buy money. The officer then observed the informant parking next to a blue truck, the driver of which was identified as Athmann.

The informant and Athmann were observed leaving the parking lot. The informant purchased plastic baggies from a local business to give to Athmann, and was observed meeting Athmann in another parking lot.

Athmann exchanged a small bag of suspected methamphetamine for the buy money.

The informant later handed over the baggie, the contents of which field-tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed approximately 2.8 grams.

The informant stated that the meth had been purchased from Athmann.

Athmann was later arrested, and the prerecorded buy money was found on his person.

Athmann has a previous controlled substance crime conviction from April 2015.

For the third degree drug sale, Athmann was sentenced to 30 years probation and $285 in fines. For the second degree drug possession, he was sentenced to 40 years probation and $285 in fines.

Hamia Steven Boos, 19, Bemidji, was given a stay of adjudication in Morrison County Court, Aug. 17 for one count of felony fifth degree controlled substance possession.

Boos was the passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over in Motley, March 9, for speeding and a non-functioning brake light.

When the officer asked for the passenger’s name, he gave the officer a name that came back clean, however, the officer said that the license photo did not match the appearance of Boos.

In his search of the driver, the officer saw that she had an order of protection that prevented her from having contact with Boos, and the photograph of Boos on the order appeared to match the passenger in the stopped vehicle.

The officer asked the passenger to exit the vehicle and he admitted to being Boos. He was then placed under arrest for giving a false name, and possible violation of an order for protection.

During a search of the vehicle, the officer found two marijuana pipes and a small baggie containing a pill in the glove box.

Boos stated that he received the pill from his uncle, and that it was methadone, that was later confirmed. The schedule II controlled substance can’t be possessed without a valid prescription.

Boos pleaded guilty to the felony, but a judge gave him a stay of adjudication.

Once Boos has successfully completed his five year probation, the charge will be dismissed.

Among the conditions for his probation are that he submit to chemical testing and complete a treatment program.

Two misdemeanors for giving a peace officer a false name and violating a no contact order were dismissed.

A Minneapolis man was convicted Aug. 18 of a second degree burglary charge in Morrison County Court. The charge came from a 2014 burglary at a home on Iris Road.

Dean Arnold Gangl, 49, was identified in a photo lineup by the victim who reported seeing a Jeep Cherokee with a flatbed trailer parked in the driveway next to their rental house, Jan. 7, 2014.

The Jeep was driven by a female and had two male passengers standing outside the residence. They told the victim, who was working on the house, that they heard the place was possibly for rent. It was not.

The victim, who wrote down the license plate number of the vehicle, noticed someone had attempted to enter the residence by force. The latch on a padlock on the wood frame of the inner door was broken, and a saw was missing.

The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office attempted to locate the vehicle with the license plate number provided by the victim.

The Sauk Rapids Police Department located the suspect vehicle Jan. 17, 2014.

A Benton County officer stopped the vehicle. Gangl was in the vehicle and fled the scene. He was later apprehended by the officers and fit the description of one of the people present at the Jan. 7, 2014, incident.

Gangl was sentenced to 30 months in prison and a $50 fine.

Sean William Curtis, 46, Montrose, was charged Aug. 12 with a felony third degree controlled substances possession charge.

On Aug. 11, Morrison County Dispatch received a report of an attempted break-in along Highway 10.

According to the criminal complaint, the homeowner said she saw a man on her deck with a knife, trying to pry open the door. She allegedly startled the man who walked toward Highway 10.

Court documents say an officer with the Motley Police Department located a man walking along the highway who matched the suspect’s description, and who had a very large knife in his possession.

The officer detained the man, later identified as Curtis, and searched his pockets.

Curtis allegedly had two syringes, a glass tube with brown residue, a lighter and a plastic bag the criminal complaint said held 22.6 grams of methamphetamine.

If convicted, Curtis faces up to 20 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.