Wright County Watch MN

11/14/2025

Monticello Man Charged with Possessing 29 Grams of M**h After Fleeing Traffic Stop in Buffalo - Wright County

BUFFALO – A 45-year-old Monticello man is facing a high-level felony drug charge and multiple DWI offenses after a traffic stop in Buffalo escalated into a brief vehicle pursuit, culminating in the discovery of 29 grams of m**hamphetamine.

Brandon Paul Berg, of Monticello, has been charged in Wright County District Court with Felony 2nd-Degree Drug Possession, Gross Misdemeanor Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test, and Misdemeanor DWI-Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance.

According to the criminal complaint, on the evening of November 12, 2025, Buffalo Police officer Olson observed a vehicle, driven by Berg, stopped over the line at an intersection on Highway 55. The officer saw the driver throw som**hing out of the window and then make a turn without signaling. When the officer activated his emergency lights, Berg allegedly began to brake before accelerating, driving through at least three intersections without stopping. After the officer activated his siren, Berg pulled into an alleyway and continued for several hundred feet before finally stopping.

The complaint states that Berg was sweating profusely despite the 40-degree temperature and had pupils that were constricted to a pinpoint size. He allegedly admitted to not having a driver's license and to using m**hamphetamine two days prior and ma*****na earlier that afternoon. A records check confirmed he had outstanding warrants in Hennepin and Sherburne Counties.

After Berg showed signs of impairment during field sobriety tests, he was arrested. A search of his vehicle revealed a large, plastic-wrapped package of a crystal substance on the front passenger seat. The substance field-tested positive for m**hamphetamine and weighed 29 grams.

Police obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample, but Berg refused to comply. The 2nd-Degree Drug Possession charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Full name and/or case number can be found in our Private group, see pinned post at the top of our page for a link.

11/14/2025

Vehicle Tampering Report Leads to Drug, Ammo, and Stolen Property Charges for Benson Man - Wright County

ALBERTVILLE – A 33-year-old Benson man is facing a felony drug charge and other offenses after a traffic stop in Albertville, initiated after a report of someone tampering with vehicles, allegedly uncovered m**hamphetamine, ammunition, and a cache of suspected stolen property.

Deangelo Michael McDavid-Hampton, of Benson, has been charged in Wright County District Court with Felony 5th-Degree Drug Possession, Gross Misdemeanor Possession of Ammunition by an Ineligible Person, and Misdemeanor Theft.

According to the criminal complaint, in the early morning hours of November 13, 2025, a Wright County Sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle with expired registration in Albertville. The driver, identified as McDavid-Hampton, matched the description of a male who had been reported tampering with vehicles in the area.

During the stop, the deputy observed a m**h pipe in the vehicle. A subsequent search allegedly yielded numerous items consistent with stolen property, including identification cards, mail, checks, tools, and electronics. The search also uncovered a magazine loaded with eighteen .40 caliber rounds in the driver's side door and approximately 0.3 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for m**hamphetamine in the center console. A f***y pack belonging to McDavid-Hampton also allegedly contained a m**h pipe and a crack pipe.

The complaint states that the passenger in the vehicle told deputies the drugs in the console belonged to McDavid-Hampton. McDavid-Hampton allegedly claimed he acquired all the found items by "bartering with individuals" in local business parking lots and denied entering any vehicles. He is charged with possessing ammunition as he is prohibited from doing so due to a prior felony-level conviction.

Full name and/or case number can be found in our Private group, see pinned post at the top of our page for a link.

11/14/2025

Monticello Man Charged with Faking Walmart Stabbing Report in 911 Call - Wright County

Charges were filed today by a summons.


MONTICELLO – A 56-year-old Monticello man with active warrants allegedly made a fictitious 911 call reporting a man with a knife at Walmart, according to charges filed in Wright County District Court.

Jeffrey Robert Altrichter, of Monticello, has been charged with one count of Gross Misdemeanor for making a fictitious emergency 911 call with the intent to prompt a response.

According to the criminal complaint, on the night of October 13, 2025, Wright County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the Walmart in Monticello for an assault report. A male caller had told 911 that a person in the store had a knife and was threatening to stab people.

Deputies responded to the store and determined that no such assault or threat had occurred.

The investigation revealed the 911 call was traced to Altrichter's address in Monticello. The complaint notes that at the time of the call, Altrichter was known to have three active warrants for his arrest. A deputy who was in the area of Altrichter's home when the call was made later reviewed the 911 recording and identified the caller's voice as belonging to Altrichter.

11/14/2025

Otsego Woman Charged After Allegedly Passing Stopped School Bus on Right Side - Wright County

Charges were filed today by a summons.

OTSEGO – A 37-year-old Otsego woman is facing a gross misdemeanor charge after she was caught on camera allegedly driving past a stopped school bus on its passenger side while a child was boarding.

Cotter, of Otsego, has been charged in Wright County District Court with Gross Misdemeanor Traffic Regulation – Passing a School Bus on the Passenger Side.

According to the criminal complaint, on October 28, 2025, a Wright County deputy reviewed a report and video from a school bus driver in Otsego. The video allegedly shows the bus stopped with its stop arm extended and lights flashing. A vehicle is then seen slowly passing the bus on the right-hand, passenger-door side.

The complaint states another camera angle shows a child getting onto the bus at the same time the bus driver honks the horn at the passing vehicle, which then brakes before continuing on.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Cotter. When a deputy spoke with her, Cotter allegedly admitted to driving up to the bus but claimed she did not see any lights. The complaint states she told the deputy that she saw the stop arm only after she had already driven around the bus.

Full name and/or case number can be found in our Private group, see pinned post at the top of our page for a link.

11/14/2025

Big Lake Man Charged After Allegedly Stealing $1.39 Lemonade from Otsego Kwik Trip - Wright County

Charges were filed today by a summons.

OTSEGO – An 18-year-old Big Lake man is facing a misdemeanor theft charge in Wright County after he allegedly drank a lemonade inside a gas station and left without paying for it.

Scott, of Big Lake, has been charged with one count of misdemeanor Theft-Take/Use/Transfer Movable Property-No Consent.

According to the criminal complaint, on August 17, 2025, a Wright County deputy was advised of a theft at the Kwik Trip in Otsego. A store manager reported that a young male had entered the store, grabbed a bottle of lemonade valued at $1.39, and drank it while walking around.

The male, later identified as Scott, approached the counter to prepay for fuel, but his card was declined. He then allegedly left the store without paying for the lemonade.

The complaint states that deputies identified Scott through the license plate on his vehicle, which was captured by store surveillance cameras. After comparing Scott's driver's license photo to the surveillance footage, a deputy contacted him by phone. Scott allegedly admitted he would call the store to pay for the item.

Over a week later, the store manager confirmed that no payment had been made. When the deputy contacted Scott a second time, he allegedly claimed he "wasn't given enough time" to pay.

Full name and/or case number can be found in our Private group, see pinned post at the top of our page for a link.

11/14/2025

Maplewood Woman Charged with Gross Misdemeanor DWI After Being Found Unresponsive in Monticello - Wright County

MONTICELLO – A 42-year-old Maplewood woman is facing gross misdemeanor DWI charges after a Wright County Sheriff's deputy found her unresponsive in her vehicle following a welfare check.

Scott, of Maplewood, has been charged with two counts of Gross Misdemeanor DWI: operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and operating a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of .08 or more within two hours.

According to the criminal complaint, on the night of November 13, 2025, a deputy responded to the area of Broadway West and Locust Street in Monticello for a report of a female face down inside a vehicle. The deputy located Scott as the sole occupant of the car and noted that she had vomited on herself.

Scott allegedly admitted to the deputy that she had been drinking alcohol prior to driving and was traveling from St. Paul to a friend's house in Monticello. After exhibiting signs of impairment during field sobriety tests, Scott submitted to a breath test.

The complaint states the test, administered at 11:57 p.m., revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .16, twice the legal limit for driving in Minnesota. The elevated alcohol level constitutes an aggravating factor, resulting in the gross misdemeanor level charges.

Full name and/or case number can be found in our Private group, see pinned post at the top of our page for a link.

11/13/2025

St. Michael Man Charged with DWI After Hit-and-Run, Erratic Driving - Wright County

A St. Michael man is facing charges after allegedly causing a hit-and-run crash while driving erratically and under the influence of alcohol.

Gregory James Provo, 66, has been charged in Wright County with Gross Misdemeanor DWI - Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test and Misdemeanor DWI - Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol.

According to the criminal complaint, on the morning of November 12, 2025, Wright County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a hit-and-run crash in St. Michael. A gray Subaru was reportedly being driven erratically on Highway 241, where it sideswiped another vehicle, drove on a sidewalk, and ran a red light. Some of the dangerous driving was captured on dash camera footage.

Deputies located the suspect vehicle parked at an apartment complex on Town Center Drive NE and identified the owner and driver as Provo.

The complaint states that when questioned, Provo admitted he had consumed alcohol before driving.

Deputies noted that Provo showed signs of impairment during field sobriety tests. After being read the breath test advisory, Provo allegedly refused to submit to a chemical test.

Full name and/or case number can be found in our Private group, see pinned post at the top of our page for a link.

11/13/2025

Monticello Woman Charged with Domestic Assault After Allegedly Kicking Victim in Head - Wright County

A Monticello woman is facing charges in Wright County District Court following a domestic incident where she allegedly kicked a family member in the head.

Baumgartner, 47, has been charged with one count of misdemeanor Domestic Assault for allegedly intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm.

According to the criminal complaint, on November 12, 2025, Wright County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a residence on Weston Drive in Monticello for a report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, a deputy spoke with Victim 1, who stated that a verbal argument had begun with Baumgartner in a bathroom.

The complaint alleges the argument escalated, and Baumgartner kicked Victim 1 in the side of the head. Victim 1 reported a stinging and ringing sensation in his left ear. When Victim 1 reached for his phone, Baumgartner allegedly grabbed it and ran into a bedroom. Victim 1 followed, eventually retrieved the phone, and called 911.

Responding deputies observed that Victim 1's left ear was red and swollen.

When questioned, Baumgartner reportedly admitted to a verbal argument but denied kicking Victim 1. She was subsequently arrested and transported to the Wright County Jail.

Full name and/or case number can be found in our Private group, see pinned post at the top of our page for a link.

11/13/2025

A Wright County judge has set bail at $2 million for the man accused of beating his coworker to death with a sledgehammer.

https://knsiradio.com/2025/11/13/bail-set-for-man-accused-of-beating-coworker-to-death/

Wright county news
https://mncountynews.wixsite.com/wright-county-watch

(KNSI) - A Wright County judge has set bail at $2 million for the man accused of beating his coworker to death...

11/13/2025

Steven Labatt is from St. Michael

Former Sheriff's Officer Is Accused Of Stealing Item From Lab For Fishing Trip: Felony Theft Charges Say He Took Generator And Forgot It On Lake.
Walsh, Paul - Star Tribune
https://content.elibrarymn.org/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fdocview/3271147014?accountid=45111

Former Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office captain charged with felony theft
https://alphanews.org/former-hennepin-county-sheriffs-office-captain-charged-with-felony-theft/

Wright County News
https://mncountynews.wixsite.com/wright-county-watch

11/12/2025

"The family of the victim identified her as 20-year-old Amber Czech. They say she was an amazing welder, great at her job and loved going to work every day."

Advanced Process Technologies released a statement on Wednesday:

"We are heartbroken by yesterday's tragedy, and our thoughts are with the victim's family and friends in this terrible moment. We are also making sure our employees have the support they need and working closely with law enforcement as they continue their investigation."

"Production at the facility has been paused for the remainder of the week, and administrative staff are working remotely."

https://www.fox9.com/video/1739968

A man is accused of killing a co-worker with a sledgehammer at a food and dairy processing facility in central Minnesota.

11/12/2025

Buffalo Man Charged With Sharing Private Sexual Images Without Consent - Wright County

Charges were filed today by a summons.

WRIGHT COUNTY - A 20-year-old Buffalo man has been charged after allegedly recording and sharing explicit images of a woman without her knowledge or permission.

Tyree Kennet Thielen is facing one gross misdemeanor count of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images in Wright County District Court.


According to the criminal complaint, the investigation began after the Buffalo Police Department executed a search warrant and performed a forensic analysis on a phone belonging to Thielen. During the review, a detective discovered a video, over a minute and a half long, showing a fully n**e young woman in a dark bedroom. The complaint notes that the woman appeared to be unaware she was being filmed.

The investigation further revealed that Thielen's Snapchat account was allegedly used on the evening of May 24 and the early morning of May 25, 2025, to send two video clips and two photographs of the woman to a group chat. At least six other people received the content, four of whom were juveniles at the time.

When police spoke with Victim 1, an 18-year-old woman, she confirmed she had been in a sexual relationship with Thielen. However, she stated she never gave him permission to photograph or videotape her while unclothed, nor was she aware he was doing so. She also stated she never gave him permission to share any photos or videos of her in any state of nudity.

Full name and/or case number can be found in our Private group, see pinned post at the top of our page for a link.