Menahga Man Found in Swamp, Kept on Probation

Menahga (trfnews.i234.me) – Alex Adam Bast, 28, will remain on probation following a reported violation in his felony ATV theft case.

The decision follows an earlier incident involving a stolen four-wheeler and a nighttime search through a swamp.

According to Becker County court records, Bast previously admitted taking an ATV valued between $1,000 and $1,500.

ATV Reported Stolen in Menahga

On March 18, 2025, at approximately 8:28 p.m., authorities responded to a stolen ATV report on 580th Avenue.

A deputy arrived and found the ATV parked along the road, with its owner nearby.

The owner reported that a neighbor had alerted him about the missing vehicle.

The ATV had originally been parked in the owner’s driveway at a nearby property.

After locating the four-wheeler, the owner noticed footprints in the snow leading down the road.

A neighbor reported seeing a bearded man wearing a hood walking along the roadway.

The neighbor identified the man as “Alex,” who was staying at a nearby residence.

Suspect Allegedly Runs From Residence

Investigators followed the footprints toward the residence where Bast was reportedly staying.

A woman at the property told authorities that Bast ran around the house when the deputy arrived.

The deputy searched the property but could not locate him.

The woman also reported that Bast had contacted her husband earlier that evening.

According to court records, Bast allegedly requested a ride because a four-wheeler had broken down.

Deputies Find Bast Hiding in Swamp

Later that night, authorities received information from Bast’s father.

He reportedly contacted the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office and said Bast was hiding in a nearby swamp.

Bast’s father said he had encouraged his son to turn himself in.

He also reported that Bast wanted to leave the swamp because he was cold.

Deputies from Becker and Hubbard counties returned to the property and located Bast.

Bast walked out of the swamp and admitted taking the ATV, according to court records.

He was arrested and transported to the Becker County Jail.

Prison Sentence Stayed for Five Years

On January 14, District Judge Michelle W. Lawson sentenced Bast to 13 months in prison at St. Cloud.

However, the prison sentence was stayed for five years.

Bast was ordered to serve 53 days in the Becker County Jail.

He received credit for 53 days already served.

The court also imposed a $500 fine and $160 in court fees.

His probation conditions included avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs.

He was also ordered to complete cognitive skills training and required assessments.

Those requirements included a comprehensive assessment and a diagnostic assessment.

Bast was directed to follow all recommendations, including aftercare.

Probation Violation Leads to New Court Orders

More recently, Bast faced a reported probation violation.

The specific nature of the violation was not disclosed in the provided court records.

During an October 5 hearing, the court allowed Bast to remain on probation.

However, the judge ordered him to complete an updated comprehensive assessment.

He must also follow all recommendations from that assessment, including aftercare.

The original conviction involved felony theft of a motor vehicle.

Readers can review Minnesota’s theft statute for more information about state theft laws.

Public court information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.