Joseph Paul Panek, 22, St. Cloud, was given a stay of adjudication on one felony fifth degree drug possession charge in Morrison County District Court, Aug. 30, while another felony drug charge was dismissed.

The charges stem from a March 9 traffic stop, which involved a van in which Panek was a passenger.

A trooper conducted a traffic stop on the van near the Highway 10 and Highway 371 split north of Little Falls due to an observation of several occupants not wearing safety belts.

While conducting the traffic stop, the trooper detected a strong odor of marijuana, and Panek admitted that a backpack in the rear of the vehicle belonged to him.

A search of the backpack revealed a quart jar full of marijuana, later weighed at 64 grams, 10 Tramadol pills, which did not contain the defendant’s name, a digital scale, a used joint and a used pipe.

Panek was placed under arrest for possession of the Tramadol, which is a Schedule IV controlled substance, and marijuana.

Panek pleaded guilty to one of the possession charges, as part of a plea agreement to get the stay adjudication and the other charge dismissed, court documents said.

Panek was sentenced to 30 days in jail, though the Morrison County Jail must determine how much time to credit him with since his arrest, March 9.

Panek was also sentenced to five years of supervised probation and was fined $50.

Kraig Steven Olson, 49, St. Joseph, was convicted, Aug. 30, in Morrison County District Court, of felony fifth degree drug possession.

The charges stem from a May 26, 2016 incident,   when a State Patrol trooper pulled a vehicle over for driving with one headlight out.

The trooper noticed the smell of marijuana in the vehicle and Olson admitted he had some.

When Olson exited the vehicle, the trooper noticed a hypodermic needle and bent metal spoon on the floor of the car.

Olson said he had used heroin that night and fresh needle tracks were visible on

Olson’s elbow.

Olson said he had a few more needles as the trooper searched the car. A woman in the car handed the trooper a glasses case she said Olson handed to her. Olson confirmed this as well as that it was methamphetamine in the case.

Olson was sentenced to 90 days in jail and was given credit for 90 days.

He was also sentenced to five years of supervised probation and was fined $135.

Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen reports that arrest warrants were issued for the following people. Those with information as to the whereabouts of anyone on the list, are asked to contact the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office at (320) 632-9233 or toll-free at 1 (866) 401-1111, ext. 180. The warrants were issued Aug. 23 – Sept. 5.

• Michael Jonathan Brunelle, unknown.
• Nathan William Cheeseman, no current address.
• Weli. A. Dirir, St. Cloud.
• Jacon Aaron Eberly, Brainerd.
• Devin James Guenther, Elk River.
• Adam Robert Hageman, Motley.
• Brendon Lee Haglund, Minneapolis.
• Robert Charles Hatfield, Anoka.
• Andrew James Heiraas, Hutchinson.
• Kyle Allen Ingalls, Deerwood.
• Zachary James Laird, Minneapolis.
• Christopher Lawrence MacLean, Minneapolis.
• Larry Burian McClendon, Jr., Perham.
• Ramon, Morelos-Botello, Upsala.
• Denzell Isaiah Patton, St. Paul.
• Vincenzo Ciro Sposito, Jr., Pequot Lakes.
• Paul Allen Strom, Little Falls.

The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase of vehicle theft reports in the last week. There have been four reported vehicle thefts: two from residences and one from a business east of Little Falls and one from the Rice Skunk Lake Public Access in Little Falls Township. The two thefts from residences: one occurred off of Highway 25, north of Pierz in Platte Township, and the other off of Cable Road in Sobieski.

Sheriff Shawn Larsen said three of the vehicles stolen were left unlocked with the keys inside the vehicle. The fourth vehicle stolen had its window smashed out and it’s unknown if there were keys inside of the vehicle at the time of the theft.

The vehicles stolen include:
• A 1996 red Ford F-250 diesel single cab pickup truck, MN LIC/191TTG;
• A 1998 maroon Buick LeSabre Limited Sedan, MN LIC/711KWW;
• A 1999 red Pontiac Grand AM SE Sedan, MN LIC/365LKW; and
• A 2006 silver Toyota Tundra Crew Cab pickup truck, MN LIC/998LKM.

Larsen encourages residents to lock their vehicles and not to leave any valuables in plain view when unattended. The Sheriff’s Office also asks that the pubic continue to report any suspicious activity.

Anyone who sees a suspicious vehicle, is asked to attempt to get a license plate number so that law enforcement can follow up with the registered owner.

Contact the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office at (320) 632-9233 with any information regarding these thefts.

Residents of Buckman will hear sirens and emergency sounds as the MLMB First Response Team hosts a mock car crash training exercise Sunday, Sept. 24, at Czech’s Auto Body in Buckman, beginning at 1 p.m.

This is a training event for the first responders. Signs will be posted near the exercise location to make the public aware it is a training exercise only.

James Robert Crawford, 59, Cushing, is facing felony   fifth degree drug possession and possession of stolen property charges in Morrison County District Court.

The charges stem from a  July 8 burglary of a residence in Rosing Township, where a drill, sporting goods, an ATV plow and more were allegedly stolen.

On Sept. 11, law enforcement learned Crawford had pawned a drill allegedly having the same serial number as the stolen one at a pawn shop in Staples.

Crawford also allegedly pawned an ATV plow matching the stolen one at a pawn shop in St. Cloud.

After obtaining a search warrant, law enforcement searched Crawford’s property and allegedly located drug paraphernalia that tested positive for methamphetamine, as well as more stolen items. Crawford allegedly said the paraphernalia was his and used for meth use.

After being arrested and taken to the Morrison County Jail, Crawford allegedly said he had purchased the stolen items from someone else, and based on the person, acknowledged the items might have been stolen.

The value of the items reported stolen found at the pawn shops and Crawford’s property exceeds $1,000, causing the charge to be a felony.

Crawford  has prior felony drug sale and possession convictions from California.

If convicted of both counts, Crawford could face up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine for each.

Angela Marie Super, 41, Little Falls, was convicted Wednesday in Morrison County District Court of felony fifth degree drug possession.

The charge stems from a March 3 incident, when a Little Falls Police officer was informed there was a warrant out for Super’s arrest for a probation violation, after he saw her enter a Little Falls business.

When the officer told Super she was under arrest, she began to reach down the front of her shirt.

The officer told her to put her hands behind her back and then placed Super in handcuffs.

When the officer told Super to open a hand she had closed very tightly, he found a small baggie containing methamphetamine.

When the officer asked Super if she had any more drugs on her, she said she had two more baggies containing meth in her bra.

Super was sentenced to 57 days in jail and was given credit for 57 days served.

She was also sentenced to five years of supervised probation and was fined $135.

Corey Melvin John Higgins, 35, St. Cloud, was convicted Sept. 14, in Morrison County District Court, of one felony count of knowingly violating registration requirements as a predatory offender.

Higgens is required to register as a predatory offender through the year 2029 and notify law enforcement of any changes to his primary address, and failing to do so is a violation of state law.

The charge stems from a Jan. 14, 2016 incident, when law enforcement conducting routine registration checks found the residence at which Higgins was registered to be vacant, with a for sale sign in front of the home.

The real estate agent said the house was unoccupied and had been listed for sale since March 2015.

Higgins was sentenced to seven days in jail to be served Friday evening to Sunday evening for three consecutive weekends, and was given credit for one day served.

Higgins was also sentenced to three years of supervised probation and was fined $135.

Vincent Reanell Harris, 30, St. Paul, was convicted of a felony Monday, in Morrison County District Court for domestic abuse by violating a protection order.

The charge stems from a June 23, 2016 incident, when an individual in Morrison County who has an order of protection against Harris, told the Morrison County Sheriff’s Department she had received an email and two phone calls from Harris, while he was in the Dakota County Jail.

After the Sheriff’s Department contacted Dakota County, an investigation revealed Harris obtained the telephone PIN number from another inmate, and then placed the two calls.

Harris has multiple prior convictions over the last 10 years for qualified domestic violence charges, leading to him being charged with a felony.

Harris was sentenced to 26 months in prison and was fined $135.

Morrison County Attorney Brian Middendorf and his staff have filed gross misdemeanor complaints against the following people:

• Ronald Lee Lindberg, 47, Little Falls — In connection with a Sept. 17 incident, Lindberg has been charged with one count of obstructing legal process with force and one count of domestic assault.
• Paul Thomas Roman, Little Falls — In connection with a July 29 incident ,Roman has been charged with two counts of third degree DWI.
• Kevin Joseph Kurtz, 55, Avon — In connection with a Sept. 17 incident, Kurtz has been charged with two counts of third degree DWI and one count of driving restrictions – alcohol/controlled substance violation.
• Joshua Paul Wozniak, 25, Little Falls — In connection with a July 9 incident, Wozniak has been charged with malicious punishment of a child.
• Quincy Eugene David Hight, 23, St. Cloud — In connection with an April 5 incident, Hight has been charged with one count of financial transaction card fraud – use – no consent.
• Brendon Lawrence Mattison, 20, Pillager — In connection with a July 6 incident, Lawrence has been charged with two counts of criminal vehicular operation.
• Kristin Tori Hanson, 48, Stillwater — In connection with a July 3 incident, Hanson has been charged with two counts of third degree DWI.
• Ronald Louis Bednar, Sr., 60, Pierz — In connection with a July 2 incident, Bednar has been charged with one count of driving after cancellation and one count of drugs – possess/sale small amount of marijuana,
• Robin Rae Mortenson, 35, Randall — In connection with a Sept. 16 incident, Mortenson has been charged with one count of fifth degree controlled substance crime – possession.

The court will their appearance date.

Anngena Kay Renee English, Shakopee, is facing a felony charge for allegedly escaping from custody.

The charge stems from Feb. 8, when English was placed on probation for a felony fifth degree drug crime.

On June 12, English was ordered to be placed in custody for an alleged probation violation, pending a hearing, and was furloughed to a treatment center.

Before this she was allegedly told that if she failed or left treatment she had to immediately return to the Morrison County Jail. English was also allegedly told failure to successfully complete treatment, or leaving treatment could lead to her being charged with escaping custody.

English was taken to the treatment program, June 23 and completed intake that day. On June 24, English allegedly left against medical advice and did not immediately return to the Morrison County Jail.

According to the treatment program, English had gone AWOL, the criminal complaint said.

If convicted, English could face up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

Tanisha Sue Dosh, 21, Randall, has been charged with felony fifth degree drug possession in Morrison County District Court.

The charge stems from a Sept. 16 incident, in Little Falls, when a Little Falls police officer pulled a vehicle over for having a cracked windshield.

When the officer asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, the driver, who has not been charged, allegedly said there was a pipe.

The passenger, allegedly identified as Dosh, gave the officer the pipe.

The officer then asked if there was any other illegal items in the car and the driver allegedly said Dosh had methamphetamine.

Dosh allegedly handed a baggie with alleged meth weighing one gram.

If convicted, Dosh faces up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen reports that arrest warrants were issued for the following people. Those with information as to the whereabouts of anyone on the list, are asked to contact the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office at (320) 632-9233 or toll-free at 1 (866) 401-1111, ext. 180. The warrants were issued Sept. 5 – 19.

• Jason Paul Baumer, Foley.
• Randy John Borth, Pillager.
• Juan Valentin Botello Sanchez, Melrose.
• Michael Jonathan Brunelle, Waite Park.
• Jacob Aaron Eberly, Brainerd.
• Nichole Stella Fairbanks, Little Falls.
• Brock Alexander Fanjoy, Little Falls.
• Adam Robert Hageman, Motley.
• Ryan James Hart, Brook Park.
• Angela Louise Hemp, Little Falls.
• Shannon Mae Jarvis, Coleraine.
• Kurt John Kliber, Little Falls.
• Jesse Michael McDuffee, St. Cloud.
• Victoria Ann Miller, Bock.
• Steffan Levis Peters, St. Cloud.
• Mariano Ramirez Cruz, Pierz.
• Toby Robert Schwanke, Royalton.
• Eric Wayne Solomon, East Bethel.
• Michael Ervin Stegura, Bowlus.
• Nathan Charles Stokes, Foley.
• Alicia Ann Storms, Little Falls.
• James Peter Zimmerman, Little Falls.

Sept. 15 — A resident on South Main Street in Upsala reported a phone scam.

Sept. 15 — A resident on 153rd Street in Little Falls reported a theft.

Sept. 15 — A resident on Balcony Road in Swanville reported a burglary, with a stove stolen from the home.

Sept. 15 — A resident on Gordon Circle in Little Falls reported someone had stolen a trailer from another home and hid it there.

Sept. 15 — A resident on Barrel Road in Burtrum reported someone had stolen their wallet out of their vehicle, parked outside their home. It had not been locked. The wallet included the resident’s driver’s license, insurance cards, credit cards and $7-$8 in cash.

Sept. 19 — A resident on Great River Road in Royalton reported someone had stolen two cellphones and a wallet containing checks and credit cards from their vehicle while it was parked at the dam.

Sept. 16 — A business in Flensburg reported two people came in and ordered drinks and left without paying.

Sept. 17 — A resident on Abbey Road in Burtrum reported someone tore up the road.

Sept. 17 — A resident on 370th Avenue in Hillman reported a burglary.

Sept. 17 — A resident on 153rd Street in Little Falls reported a burglary.

Sept. 18 — A resident on Grouse Road in Little Falls reported the theft of a vehicle.

Sept. 18 — A resident on Iris Road in Little Falls reported a theft.

Sept. 18 — A business on 113th Street in Little Falls reported a stolen vehicle.

Sept. 20 — A resident on 80th Avenue in Little Falls reported the theft of a truck from their yard.

Sept. 20 — A resident on Fountain Road in Little Falls reported someone had stolen the rear license plate of their vehicle.

On Monday, Sept. 25, the Minnesota State Court of Appeals upheld the 2014 Morrison County conviction of Edward Lapenotiere for a controlled substance Crime in the Second Degree (Selling Narcotics in a School Zone). Lapenotiere was found guilty as charged after a two-day jury trial in October, 2014. Lapenotiere was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison for the second degree school zone offense.

The case stemmed from an August, 2013 controlled buy of Vicodin and heroin conducted by the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office. The buy was made at Lapenotiere’s residence located within one city block of Lindbergh Elementary and Community Middle School properties.

Lapenotiere appealed his conviction claiming that the evidence was insufficient to prove that his residence was within one city block of the school property, arguing that only sales directly across the street from the school could be considered “school zones.”

The Court of Appeals ruled that the law defined a school zone as “the area surrounding the school property to a distance of 300 feet or one city block, whichever distance is greater.”

The appellate court concluded that “By using the word ‘surround,’ the legislature indicated its intent to establish a drug-free perimeter extending at least one city block beyond the school property in all directions.” The court ruled that the state’s evidence at trial was sufficient to prove that “Lapenotiere’s home is both within the one-block distance measurement from the school property and within the city block area measurement.”

Assistant Morrison County Attorney Mike Chisum handled the prosecution of the case from the first court appearance through the jury trial. County Attorney Brian Middendorf handled the appeal for the County Attorney’s office.

“This is a big win. My fear with this appeal is that it had the potential to weaken the State’s buffer law that shields Minnesota’s schools from drug dealers by enhancing penalties for selling narcotics in a school zone,” said Middendorf. “Fortunately, that didn’t happen. Selling narcotics in our community is bad enough, but selling narcotics in a school zone is beyond contempt. We simply cannot tolerate the sale of drugs anywhere near a school in our community. Parents should never have to worry that there is a drug house next to their child’s school.”

Morrison County Attorney Brian Middendorf and his staff have filed gross misdemeanor complaints against the following people:

• Anthony Ray Strempke, 45, Little Falls — In connection with a Sept. 21, incident Strempke has been charged with one count of driving after cancellation – inimical to public safety.

Hailey Marie Allord, 19, Little Falls, is facing a felony credit card fraud charge in Morrison County District Court.

The charge stems from a Sept. 15 incident, when someone broke into a vehicle at the Blanchard Dam and stole items including the car owner’s billfold.

The victim contacted law enforcement and said someone allegedly used his credit card at a gas station in Bowlus and a store in Little Falls.

Surveillance footage from the gas station allegedly showed two transactions made, neither by Allord. The transactions were for a total of $48.83 in fuel. The individuals in the video have not been charged.

Video from the store in Little Falls allegedly showed Allord and another individual, who hasn’t been charged, attempt to purchase $454.94 worth of items, using three cards, two of which belonged to the victim. All three cards allegedly used were denied.

If convicted, Allord faces up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

Barry Lynn Russell, 56, St. Paul, was convicted Sept. 20, in Morrison County District Court, of felony harassment by violating a restraining order.

The charge stems from May 20, 2016, when a restraining order against Russell was issued by a judge in Morrison County.

The order prohibits Russell from having contact with the victim or being within 200 feet of her.

On Dec. 14, 2016, the victim called the Little Falls Police Department and told them Russell had called and texted her, and came to her residence.

Law enforcement obtained photos and recordings of text messages and voicemails sent to the victim by Russell.

Russell had been in court previously regarding the order and knew it was in place.

Because of previous domestic assault convictions, Russell was charged with a felony.

Russell pleaded guilty to the charge as part of a plea agreement.

He was sentenced to 63 days in jail and was given credit for 63 days served.

Russell was also sentenced to five years of supervised probation and was fined $135., 56, St. Paul, was convicted Sept. 20, in Morrison County District Court, of felony harassment by violating a restraining order.

The charge stems from May 20, 2016, when a restraining order against Russell was issued by a judge in Morrison County.

The order prohibits Russell from having contact with the victim or being within 200 feet of her.

On Dec. 14, 2016, the victim called the Little Falls Police Department and told them Russell had called and texted her, and came to her residence.

Law enforcement obtained photos and recordings of text messages and voicemails sent to the victim by Russell.

Russell had been in court previously regarding the order and knew it was in place.

Because of previous domestic assault convictions, Russell was charged with a felony.

Russell pleaded guilty to the charge as part of a plea agreement.

He was sentenced to 63 days in jail and was given credit for 63 days served.

Russell was also sentenced to five years of supervised probation and was fined $135.

Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen reports that arrest warrants were issued for the following people. Those with information as to the whereabouts of anyone on the list, are asked to contact the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office at (320) 632-9233 or toll-free at 1 (866) 401-1111, ext. 180. The warrants were issued Sept. 12 – 25.

• Jason Paul Baumer, Foley.
• Randy John Borth, Pillager.
• Samantha Jean Doty, Brainerd.
• Nichole Stella Fairbanks, Little Falls.
• Elizabeth Rose Gabrielson, Little Falls.
• Ryan James Hart, Brook Park.
• Reynaldo Johnson, Little Falls.
• Kelly Kennedy, Little Falls.
• Patrick John Kinsinger, homeless.
• Kurt John Kliber, Little Falls.
• Steffan Levis Peters, St. Cloud.
• Mariano Ramirez Cruz, Pierz.
• Toby Robert Schwanke, Royalton.
• Eric Wayne Solomon, East Bethel.
• Nathan Charles Stokes, Foley.
• James Peter Zimmerman, Little Falls.