Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) – A rural Frazee man has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony threats of violence following a months-long investigation tied to a separate burglary and assault case. The sentencing includes probation, jail time, and court-ordered treatment requirements.
According to court records, 21-year-old Jaden Michael Pihlaja made violent statements between March 1 and March 16, 2025. During an investigation into a burglary and assault case involving Pihlaja, law enforcement learned he had told the victim’s brother that he wanted to shoot the victim. The court found that he made the threat with reckless disregard for the fear it could cause.
Stay of Adjudication Ordered
On October 27, District Judge Michelle W. Lawson issued a stay of adjudication. If Pihlaja completes probation successfully, the charge will be dismissed. He was sentenced to 30 days in the Becker County Jail, receiving two days of credit for time served. He was also granted STS and Huber work-release privileges.
Pihlaja was ordered to avoid alcohol and illegal drugs, have no contact with the victim, complete cognitive skills training, and finish a domestic abuse intervention program. He will remain on supervised probation for two years.
Medical Issues Delay Jail Time
Pihlaja reported to jail on October 30 to begin serving his sentence. But on November 4, a judge ordered him released to the custody of a responsible adult because of complications linked to his type 1 diabetes.
According to a motion filed by his attorney, Pihlaja’s blood sugar readings were consistently above 200 while in custody. Jail staff told the attorney they could not adjust insulin timing or alter meal schedules due to facility policy. As a result, Pihlaja became increasingly sick and was unable to qualify for work release.
The motion stated that Pihlaja told staff when he needed insulin and explained that it works best when taken with meals. Because the jail would not modify its protocol, his blood sugar remained high. He attempted to skip meals to force the levels down, but staff told him skipping food could lead to solitary confinement for medical safety.
Court Orders Temporary Release
On November 4, District Judge Gretchen Thilmony ordered Pihlaja released immediately and suspended the rest of his jail time until the court could review how the sentence should be carried out. A hearing is scheduled for November 18 before Judge Lawson to determine how the remainder of his jail term will be served.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.