POLK COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A shocking turn of events has unfolded in Crookston’s political scene. Derek Jon Brekken, a 36-year-old candidate running against incumbent Wendy Ault for the Ward 5 council seat, was arrested on Wednesday, October 2nd, for allegedly violating a domestic abuse no-contact order.
According to court records, the offense is alleged to have occurred at 8:12 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1st. Brekken’s arrest comes just one day before he was scheduled to appear at a “Meet the Candidates” forum, where voters were expected to gather and learn more about his platform.
The no-contact order in question appears to be related to a 2022 case in which Brekken was charged with felony threats of violence, gross misdemeanor interference with an emergency call, and misdemeanor domestic assault. In that incident, Brekken allegedly told the victim he would kill them and bury their body in the ground.
The charges from that earlier case were eventually dismissed, but a statutory stay of adjudication was granted for the felony charge. As part of his probation, Brekken is required to maintain no contact with the victim.
This latest arrest has raised serious concerns about Brekken’s fitness for public office and whether he can be trusted to serve on the Crookston City Council. The people of Ward 5 deserve a candidate who is committed to upholding the law and respecting their safety, not one who allegedly violates no-contact orders and puts others at risk.
Brekken has been scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment on Friday morning, where he will face charges related to this alleged offense. If convicted, he could face up to 90 days in jail.