Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — Prosecutors have charged Samuel Martin Hanson, 43, with burglary and vehicle theft in a case tied to a reported break-in at a home northwest of Bemidji.
Hanson, of Cottage Grove, is charged with first-degree burglary while possessing a dangerous weapon, third-degree burglary, and theft of a motor vehicle without consent, according to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court.
Break-in reported after a death
According to the complaint, the burglary was reported around 10 a.m. on December 27, 2025. The report involved a residence at 2333 3rd Street NW in Beltrami County.
The home belonged to D.M., who had died days earlier, the complaint states. D.K. told investigators she is the executor of D.M.’s will.
D.K. said she and her husband visited the home to check a wood stove. She reported that a side door had been forced open.
Items reported missing
D.K. reported that a 2007 GMC pickup was missing from the garage. The truck had a Minnesota plate 712 MV, the complaint states.
She also reported that a motorcycle was taken. An enclosed trailer was also reported stolen.
D.K. said personal files were removed from a cabinet. She said vehicle titles were among the missing papers.
She also reported that a wedding ring was missing. The ring belonged to D.M.’s late wife, the complaint says.
D.K. also believed firearms may have been taken. She reported that wall photos and possible hunting knives or swords were missing, too.
Calls from the victim’s numbers
D.K. told investigators D.M. had a stepson, Samuel Martin Hanson. She also named a friend, identified as A.C.
The complaint says A.C. reported receiving a call from D.M.’s home phone number. A.C. later said Hanson called him using phone numbers that A.C. associated with D.M.
Hanson reportedly told A.C. he went to the home for personal belongings, the complaint states.
Truck found at a Bemidji movie theater
Later on December 27, 2025, the stolen GMC was found abandoned at a movie theater in Bemidji, according to the complaint.
Investigators watched the vehicle until closing time. No one returned to it, the complaint states.
When the truck was seized, investigators reported finding three vehicle titles in the visor area. The titles belonged to D.M., the complaint says.
What happens next
Investigators said Hanson had not been located. The complaint alleges he may pose a continued threat due to possible stolen weapons.
Charges are allegations. Hanson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Readers can review the Minnesota burglary law at Minn. Stat. § 609.582 and theft law at Minn. Stat. § 609.52. Court records may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO). You can also find agency information at the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
