Moorhead Man Accused of Courthouse Gun Threats

Moorhead (trfnews.i234.me) — A Moorhead man faces four felony charges after an incident at the Clay County Courthouse.

Roger Allan Hellerud, 41, was charged July 13 in Clay County District Court.

The charges include two counts of illegal firearm possession by a prohibited person.

He also faces threats of violence and aggravated harassment charges involving a judicial officer.

Complaint Details Courthouse Incident

The case began July 9 during an order for protection hearing, according to the criminal complaint.

Hellerud joined the hearing through Zoom while inside the courthouse.

The discussion became hostile, and he mentioned a firearm, the complaint states.

Authorities say he made a statement about “taking out” the reason for the protection order.

Afterward, Hellerud allegedly spoke with court staff and courthouse security.

He said a gun was inside his vehicle in the courthouse parking lot.

He also allegedly said he knew where the presiding judge lived.

The complaint says he suggested he could go there to make a threat.

He repeated similar statements while leaving the building, authorities allege.

Courthouse video showed Hellerud arriving in a white Dodge Avenger, according to the complaint.

The video allegedly showed him removing a revolver and sling bag before entering.

It later showed him returning those items to the vehicle.

Authorities obtained a search warrant the next day.

They searched the vehicle when Hellerud returned to collect courthouse paperwork.

Investigators found a .44-caliber black powder revolver on the rear passenger floor.

A sling bag contained bullets, powder charges, and percussion caps, the complaint states.

Authorities identified the revolver as a Pietta Model 1851.

The complaint lists prior felony convictions from Cass County, North Dakota.

Those convictions legally bar Hellerud from possessing firearms under Minnesota law, prosecutors allege.

Each firearm possession count carries a maximum possible sentence of 15 years.

A release order set bond at $150,000 and banned firearms or dangerous weapons.

Although a release order was issued, Hellerud was booked into the Clay County Jail.

Hellerud also cannot leave Minnesota or Cass County without court approval.

His next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 6, 2026.

Case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

Minnesota criminal laws are available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.

All charges are allegations. Hellerud is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.