Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man is facing felony burglary charges after a reported break-in at a Beltrami County home.
James Robert Johnson is charged in Beltrami County District Court with first-degree burglary.
He is also charged with second-degree burglary of a dwelling.
The case is filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District under court file 04-CR-26-794.
Burglary Report On Hidden Bay Drive
According to the complaint, deputies responded April 5, 2026, at about 7 p.m.
The report involved a home on Hidden Bay Drive Northeast in Beltrami County.
A complainant, identified as S.P., told authorities she saw two males on surveillance video.
She said the house should have been empty.
The complaint says the former tenant had died about one week earlier.
S.P. reported that two males entered the residence without bags.
She said they later left with one bag each, according to court documents.
James Robert Johnson
Bags Found Near Woods
Deputies found tracks entering and leaving Hidden Bay Drive, according to the complaint.
The tracks also led around the residence.
Authorities found a broken window on the east side of the home.
The complaint says the window appeared to be the entry point.
Two bags were later found in the woods near Hay Creek Road and Hidden Bay Drive.
The bags contained several items, according to court documents.
Those items included a sword, blades, martial arts weapons, and frozen steaks.
S.P. confirmed the items had belonged to the former tenant.
Suspect Located Nearby
Law enforcement later located Johnson at a Hay Creek Road address.
The complaint says Johnson matched one person seen on surveillance video.
He allegedly had a gray beard, green hat, and leather jacket.
Authorities also reported blood on Johnson’s hands.
The complaint says that was consistent with breaking a window.
Johnson was placed under arrest.
During a search, authorities reported finding brass knuckles in his pocket.
They also reported finding a spring-loaded stiletto-style knife.
The knife allegedly had a window-breaking attachment.
Felony Charges Filed
Johnson is charged under Minnesota Statute 609.582.
The first-degree burglary charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.
It also carries a possible $35,000 fine, or both.
The second-degree burglary charge carries up to 10 years.
It also carries a possible $20,000 fine, or both.
The charges are only accusations at this stage.
Johnson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.