>>Rochester Man Arraigned in Massive CSAM Investigation
(Rochester, MN) — A Rochester man accused in “what’s believed to be the largest-ever cyber investigation into coercion, exploitation, and production of child sex abuse material (CSAM)” appeared in court this morning. 43-year-old John Timmerman was arraigned on 13 felony charges involving CSAM, sexual extortion, and soliciting children. The November investigation allegedly identified 150 victims in multiple states and countries, with more expected to come. His bond is $750,000 unconditional or $150,000 with conditions, and he’s due back in court on March 12th.
>>Flu Deaths Rising in Minnesota, Hospitalizations and Outbreaks Dropping
(St. Paul, MN) — The number of flu-related deaths in Minnesota continues to rise, but the other indicators are on the decline. The weekly update from the Department of Health includes 42 more deaths, which brings the season total to 280. That’s ten more fatalities than the 270 all last flu season. Officials say 320 patients were hospitalized with influenza last week-137 fewer hospitalizations than the previous report. There was only one school outbreak and four flu outbreaks in long-term care facilities in the state.
>>Twin Cities School Bus Driver Arrested For Driving Under Influence
(Cottage Grove, MN) — A school bus driver from Hastings has been accused of driving under the influence. The 36-year-old man was arrested Wednesday afternoon and is currently being held in the Washington County jail on charges of driving under the influence and child endangerment. Staff members at Park High School in Cottage Grove took the keys from the driver as students were boarding the bus. The principal noted that they observed the driver was impaired and promptly removed the students from the bus.
>>Minneapolis Non-Profit Consultant Pleads Guilty in $6M Fraud Scheme
(Minneapolis, MN) — A Minneapolis non-profit executive and business consultant has pleaded guilty to a $6 million fraud scheme and illegally possessing a firearm. Court documents say from 2020 to 2024, 28-year-old Tezzaree Champion engaged in wire fraud and money laundering through two Minneapolis-based companies he founded and controlled: marketing company Futuristic Management LLC and non-profit Encouraging Leaders. He submitted at least 42 grants with fraudulent applications. Encouraging Leaders received about $1.5 million in funding. Futuristic Management LLC’s part of the scheme resulted in a loss of over $2.1 million. A search of Champion’s home turned up a safe with $127,000 and a revolver inside. Champion must pay at least $3.48 million in restitution to his victims. Hearings will be scheduled later.
>>Second Suspect Charged in Major Rochester Drug Bust
(Rochester, MN) — A second man has been charged in a major Rochester drug bust. Police executed a search warrant on a Rochester home last week, turning up 163.2 grams of cocaine under a dog bed, sorted into six baggies. The first suspect, 33-year-old Obed Olok of Rochester, was charged with one count each of first-degree drug sales and possession and has $150,000 bail. The second suspect, 27-year-old Dylan Davis of Rochester, appeared in court Wednesday on the same charges. Police say Olk arrived at the home five minutes before police to sell Davis cocaine. Davis is due in court next month.
>>Red Wing Schools Cancel Black History Event Featuring AG Keith Ellison As Speaker
(Red Wing, MN) – Red Wing School District officials have canceled a Black History event that was supposed to feature Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison as a speaker. Superintendent Bob Jaszczak announced the cancellation yesterday, citing concerns about potential disruptions, although he did not specify what those disruptions might be. Ellison was scheduled to speak at Red Wing High School today during an optional assembly for students. This decision by the school district comes amid criticism from the Trump administration, which has targeted the attorney general for not following its immigration policies.
>>MN Twins to Complete Executive Leadership Transition March 3rd
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins will complete its executive leadership succession plan on March 3rd. As announced by Twins Owner Jim Pohlad in November, the Twins will officially name Derek Falvey their new President of Baseball & Business Operations. Falvey enters his ninth season with the Twins and will be the club’s fifth president. Former President Dave St. Peter concludes a 22-year tenure and transitions to Strategic Advisor.
