Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) – On May 13, 2025, Joseph Paul Lajeunesse, 40, of Bemidji, Minnesota, was arrested after allegedly breaking into a vacant apartment at 2510 Itasca Loop NW #2. A witness reported seeing a man pry open a boarded-up window to gain entry into the unit, which had been vacant following an eviction.
Upon arrival, Bemidji Police officers observed signs of forced entry and found Lajeunesse inside the apartment. A search of his belongings revealed burglary tools, including pry bars and hammers. Lajeunesse admitted ownership of the tools.
He faces the following charges:
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Count I: Possession of Burglary or Theft Tools (Felony)
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Count II: Fourth-Degree Damage to Property (Misdemeanor)
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Count III: Trespass – Entering a Locked or Posted Building Without Consent (Misdemeanor)
Lajeunesse has prior convictions, including misdemeanor theft and domestic assault.
Did you know? Possession of burglary tools with intent to use them in a crime is a felony in Minnesota, punishable by up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
