Baudette, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A Chicago City, Minnesota man is now charged in a burglary case tied to a rural Baudette home. Court records say the loss totals about $50,000.
The defendant is Austin Otte of Chicago City, Minnesota. A juvenile male has also been charged in the case. Juvenile cases are usually handled in a separate court process.
What was reported stolen
According to court records, the victim called in the crime on Feb. 7. The victim said the home was unoccupied at the time.
The victim reported several items missing. The list included firearms and jewelry. It also included about 100 bottles of collector bourbon and vodka.
Investigators wrote that the items taken had a combined value of nearly $50,000. The case remains under review as it moves through the court system.
How the investigation developed
Court records say footprints were found near the home. Investigators followed leads that pointed to a nearby trailer home.
The trailer was described as a place where people were staying during a fishing trip. The group was described as coming from the Chicago City area.
During the investigation, juveniles gave statements about the stolen property, according to court records. They said the jewelry had been dumped in a ditch in the area.
They also said one firearm had been sold to a third party, the records state. Investigators continued to work to trace missing items.
Charges filed
Otte is now charged with felony counts that include burglary, theft of a firearm, and theft. Prosecutors also filed charges involving a juvenile male in the same case.
Charges are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
For background on Minnesota’s court system, see the Minnesota Judicial Branch. For Minnesota burglary laws, see Minnesota Statutes (Revisor of Statutes).
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.