BECKER COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A rural Fergus Falls man has been sentenced in a Richwood Township burglary case involving stolen antique collectibles.
Court records say Bryce Anthony Barsness, 35, was linked to thefts from a shed near a home.
The items included pottery bowls and other collectibles, according to the complaint.
The victim told a deputy the items went missing in late January.
Trail camera photos and a pawn shop tip
Court records say trail camera images showed two people entering the property at night.
Investigators later got a tip from the victim’s sister, the complaint said.
She had contacted pawn shops and asked them to watch for the antiques.
One pawn shop later reported people trying to pawn items that matched the description.
Investigators reviewed surveillance video and vehicle plate information, court records said.
Barsness was identified through booking photo records, the complaint said.
Phone messages cited in the complaint
Court records say investigators searched Barsness’ phone during the case.
The complaint says messages discussed selling antiques taken from the property.
Records also describe talking about cutting a gate lock.
They also describe an attempt to get into a safe on the property.
Sentence and probation terms
Barsness was first charged with felony third-degree burglary, court records show.
In a plea agreement, the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor, records show.
On Dec. 8, District Judge Michael Fritz sentenced Barsness to 21 days in jail.
Records show he received credit for two days served.
The sentencing order allows jail time on electronic home monitoring at his expense.
Becker County lists an Electronic Home Monitoring program through the Sheriff’s Office.
Barsness was fined $500 plus $160 in court fees, according to the order.
He was also ordered to avoid alcohol and illegal drugs.
Records say he must complete assessments and cognitive skills training.
He was placed on supervised probation for five years, court records show.
Where the case is handled
The Becker County District Court is based in Detroit Lakes.
Public case updates may appear on Minnesota’s online court records site.
Jail information is posted by the Becker County Sheriff’s Office.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.