Perham Bad Check Case Leads to Felony Charge

PERHAM, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — An Embden, North Dakota, man faces a felony charge in Otter Tail County.

Paul Joseph Baumler, 62, is charged with issuing a dishonored check. The case was filed in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District Court.

The charge remains an allegation. Baumler is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Business Reports Check From Closed Account

According to the criminal complaint, the case involves a $773.41 check given to Perham Steel.

The business owner reported the check to Perham police on March 27, 2026.

The complaint states Baumler provided the check during a transaction in February. The check was allegedly issued from a closed bank account.

An officer contacted Baumler and told him the check had not cleared. The business offered to resolve the matter if the product was returned.

Baumler allegedly acknowledged writing the check. He reportedly said he would pay the amount in cash that week.

A formal notice and demand for payment was mailed to Baumler’s listed North Dakota address.

The letter was returned on May 18 as undeliverable, according to the complaint.

Authorities said the money remained unpaid as of May 19. The product also had not been returned.

Prosecutors allege Baumler issued the check while intending that it would not be paid.

The alleged check exceeded $500. That amount can support a felony charge under Minnesota law.

The complaint lists one count under Minnesota Statute 609.535.

A conviction could bring up to five years in prison. It could also bring a fine of up to $10,000.

The case is filed under court number 56-CR-26-1464.

Future hearings and court filings will determine how the case moves forward.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.