Otter Tail County: Wadena Man Charged in Firearm Theft Case

Otter Tail County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Wadena man is facing felony charges after authorities say he took firearms and other property from his family.

Xander James O’Dea, 19, of Wadena, is charged in Otter Tail County District Court with theft of a firearm and felony theft of movable property without consent.

The charges are connected to events that prosecutors say happened between November 1, 2025, and March 12, 2026.

Firearms Reported Missing

According to the criminal complaint, family members reported several items missing after O’Dea moved out of their residence.

The complaint states that a family member told investigators a firearm was among the missing property.

The family believed the firearm may have been taken several months earlier.

Investigators said they learned some firearms had allegedly been sold to other people.

The complaint states that one person reported purchasing a .22 caliber firearm for $100.

Another firearm, a .410 gauge firearm, was reportedly purchased for $60.

Additional firearms were also returned to law enforcement during the investigation.

Other Property Also Reported Missing

The complaint states that investigators recovered information about other items allegedly sold or transferred.

Those items included a shotgun, rifle, hunting equipment, knives, jewelry, and deer mounts.

Several people reportedly returned items after learning they were connected to the investigation.

The complaint states the value of recovered property, excluding firearms, was more than $1,000.

Defendant Speaks With Investigators

According to court documents, O’Dea was advised of his rights before speaking with investigators.

The complaint states that he admitted to taking several items before leaving the residence.

Investigators say O’Dea admitted selling firearms and other property.

The complaint states that he said the sales helped pay for expenses, including gas, food, and marijuana.

O’Dea is charged with theft of a firearm under Minnesota law.

The firearm theft charge carries a possible maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both.

The second felony theft charge carries a possible maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

All charges are allegations, and O’Dea is considered innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Court records are available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.