>>Cook County Searches for Missing WI Man
(Cook County, MN) — The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing Wisconsin man. 74-year-old Wayne Storch of New Richmond has been missing since last Friday. He’s believed to be near Pine Mountain Lake. Deputies found Storch’s vehicle parked near Gunflint Trail at the lake’s trailhead access on Wednesday. He is described as white with gray and white hair and glasses.
>>Federal Jury Convicts Man Who Hid Meth in Stuffed Animals
(Minneapolis, MN) — A federal jury has convicted a 48-year-old man of hiding methamphetamine inside stuffed animals and illegally possessing a firearm. Prosecutors say Damien Duwjan Shade shipped six pounds of meth from California to Winona using fake names and stuffed toys. He was caught during a controlled delivery in March 2023 and later confessed. Investigators also found a loaded revolver, drug packaging materials, and hundreds of rounds of ammo at his home. Shade faces up to life in prison.
>>Repeat Offender Sentenced for Sending Child Pornography
(Minneapolis, MN) — A 25-year-old repeat sex offender faces 15 years in federal prison for distributing child pornography. In 2021, Nicholas Richard Lugo was convicted of criminal sexual conduct in Hennepin County and sentenced to 180 days in the workhouse and a stayed sentence of 12 years. Prosecutors say in October last year, he used a banned cell phone while under supervision to share images of child sexual abuse. A federal judge called the crime “one of the more egregious” in society. Lugo will also serve 15 years of supervised release after his prison term.
>>Brothers Charged in $8M Crypto-Kidnapping Heist
(Minneapolis, MN) — Two brothers from Texas are facing federal charges after allegedly kidnapping a family in Washington County and stealing $8 million in cryptocurrency. Prosecutors say last Friday, 23-year-old Raymond and 24-year-old Isiah Garcia held the victims at gunpoint for nine hours, forcing transfers from crypto accounts and driving one victim to a cabin to retrieve more funds. The crime prompted Mahtomedi Public Schools to cancel its homecoming football game. The Garcias were arrested in Texas on Monday and charged with kidnapping and robbery.
>>Senate Majority Leader Comments About Special Session
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz continues to meet with legislative leaders about a special session on preventing gun violence. DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy issued a statement saying, “The passage of urgently-needed gun violence prevention measures isn’t the responsibility of Democrats alone. Republican votes are required to pass a bill of any kind.” Murphy says her DFL colleagues are weighing their votes on proposed gun violence legislation that will protect Minnesotans. Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth has said she is waiting for the governor to release details of his proposed legislation instead of just talking about vague gun bans.
>>Lawmakers Getting Update on Minnesota Correctional Facility – Stillwater Closure
(St. Paul, MN) – The Judiciary and Public Safety Committee is getting an update on the closing of the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater. The closure is happening in phases until the doors close for good in June 2029. Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell says that due to transferring to other facilities, Stillwater’s prison population has gone from just under 1,200 inmates in May down to 487 this week. As far as staffing, 95% will be retained and transferred to other corrections locations. So far, 32 non-uniformed workers have been given layoff notices, but they may be offered new positions. Schnell says the Stillwater closure should reduce the budget by $20 million in Fiscal Year 2026.
>>Hennepin County Board Adopts 7.79% Maximum Levy Increase
(Minneapolis, MN) – The Hennepin County Board has approved a $1.13 billion maximum property tax levy for the 2026 county budget. This is an increase of 7.79%, or $81.5 million, from last year. The County Administrator made the case for the increase, saying it’s needed for meeting residents’ needs, disparity elimination, climate action, and supporting critical safety healthcare. Property taxes make up approximately 36% of the overall county budget.
>>Mound Man Charged with Tax Crimes
(St. Paul, MN) — A man from Mound faces eight felony charges for failing to file and pay state income taxes. The criminal complaint says Brian David Miller didn’t file returns from 2019 to 2022, despite earning taxable income through contract work and gambling. Investigators say Miller owes over $145,000 in taxes, penalties, and interest. Each charge carries up to five years in prison.
