Audubon, Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) An Audubon man has been sentenced for felony threats of violence, court records show.
James William Varno, 58, of Audubon, was sentenced in Becker County District Court.
He was also found guilty of gross misdemeanor harassment.
The court did not enter an adjudication on the harassment count.
A misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge was dismissed earlier.
Complaint details
According to the criminal complaint, the case began on June 4.
An Audubon police officer received a report from a witness.
The witness said Varno was angry and yelling.
The witness said Varno blamed the officer for probation trouble.
The witness said Varno made threats to kill the officer.
The witness also said Varno talked about shooting the officer.
The complaint says Varno believed the officer and a liquor store owner worked together.
Records say Varno left to confront the owner at the liquor store.
The store was closed when police arrived.
The officer later found Varno near his apartment building.
Varno was arrested and taken to the Becker County Jail.
The complaint says the officer spoke with two additional witnesses.
One witness described similar comments from weeks earlier.
Both witnesses said they heard repeated threats over the past year.
Rifle found during a search
The officer contacted Varno’s probation agent, the complaint says.
The agent said Varno could not possess firearms under probation.
Police later searched Varno’s apartment, the complaint says.
Records say officers found a rifle during that search.
The complaint cites ongoing threats and Varno’s volatile behavior.
The officer reported serious safety concerns in the filing.
The complaint also notes a similar case from last year.
That earlier case included a threat against the same officer.
Sentence and probation terms
On Nov. 25, Becker County District Judge Gretchen Thilmony imposed the sentence.
Varno received a one-year prison term at St. Cloud.
The judge stayed the prison term for five years.
The court ordered 60 days in jail.
Varno received credit for 28 days already served.
Huber or work release was authorized under jail policy.
Varno was fined $500 and assessed $160 in court fees.
He was placed on supervised probation for five years.
The court ordered Varno not to possess firearms, ammunition, or explosives.
He must not drink alcohol or use non-prescribed drugs.
He must complete cognitive skills training when directed.
He must follow cognitive behavioral programming when directed.
He must complete a diagnostic assessment.
He must follow all recommendations, including aftercare.
Related links
- Minnesota statute: Threats of violence (609.713)
- Minnesota statute: Harassment (609.749)
- Minnesota statute: Disorderly conduct (609.72)
- Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) case search
- Becker County District Court information
- Minnesota Correctional Facility – St. Cloud
- Minnesota DOC: Community supervision overview
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.