Crookston Man Faces Felony Threats, Burglary Case

Crookston (trfnews.i234.me) — Dustin Thomas Williams faces felony threats and gross misdemeanor burglary charges in Polk County District Court.

The charges involve alleged threatening messages and entry into a vacant trailer in Crookston.

The alleged incidents occurred between August 1 and August 18, 2026.

Williams is charged with felony threats of violence.

He also faces one count of fourth-degree burglary.

Woman Reports Threatening Messages

According to the complaint, a woman contacted Crookston police on August 18.

She reported receiving threatening text messages from Williams, who she described as an ex-boyfriend.

The woman said Williams had contacted her repeatedly during the previous three days.

She alleged Williams threatened to kill her when conversations did not go his way.

One message allegedly threatened to break into her mother’s home.

Authorities later met with the woman and reviewed the messages, according to the complaint.

Investigators reported seeing messages matching the threats she had described.

Neighbors later told authorities that Williams had reportedly been staying inside a nearby vacant trailer.

The trailer was directly across the street from where the woman was staying.

The property manager told investigators that Knights Communities owned the vacant home.

Authorities entered the trailer and reported finding an air mattress and personal belongings.

Some property reportedly contained the name “Dustin,” according to the complaint.

Investigators also reported finding damage to the floor inside the trailer.

Prosecutors allege Williams entered the building without permission.

The burglary count alleges he committed fourth-degree property damage while inside.

Authorities located Williams in Crookston on August 19 and placed him under arrest.

Williams later gave investigators a voluntary statement at the corrections center.

He initially denied sending threatening messages, according to the complaint.

Williams said he had contacted the woman because he wanted personal property returned.

He also admitted entering the vacant trailer without permission.

Williams said he used the trailer to eat, avoid bad weather, and store belongings.

The complaint says Williams later admitted sending threatening messages seeking the return of his property.

The threats charge is filed under Minnesota Statute 609.713.

The felony carries up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Fourth-degree burglary is covered by Minnesota Statute 609.582.

That charge carries up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.

The court file number is 60-CR-26-1229.

Public court records are available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The criminal complaint contains allegations and does not establish guilt.

Williams is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.