Mahnomen County (trfnews.i234.me) — A man from Ogema is facing charges after a reported garage vehicle break-in.
Authorities charged Percy Leonard French Jr., 31, of Ogema. The case stems from an incident at Riverland Apartments.
French Jr. is charged with one felony and two misdemeanors. The charges are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Charges filed
French Jr. is charged with felony theft under Minnesota Statute 609.52.
He also faces misdemeanor motor vehicle tampering under Minnesota Statute 609.546.
A third count alleges misdemeanor fourth-degree property damage under Minnesota Statute 609.595.
Prosecutors say the theft count was enhanced due to a prior burglary conviction. Court records list a burglary conviction from 2023.
What investigators say happened
According to the criminal complaint, a report was made on January 16, 2026. Deputies responded to Riverland Apartments in Mahnomen County.
The victim said her son’s vehicle was broken down. It was parked in a south garage at the complex.
The complaint says a window was smashed. The victim reported several items missing from the vehicle.
Those items included hunting waders worth about $350. A JVC car radio was also reported stolen. The vehicle’s taillights were reported missing as well.
Investigators reviewed surveillance video dated January 12, 2026. The video shows an older Ford Expedition entering the garage at about 1:05 a.m.
The complaint alleges a male passenger got out. Investigators say the person spent about 12 minutes taking items.
The video allegedly shows items being moved into the Expedition. Investigators say the Expedition then began to leave.
Police say the Expedition backed up before exiting. Investigators allege the passenger got out again. The complaint says that is when the taillights were removed.
How the suspects were identified
Investigators say they identified Percy Leonard French Jr. as the passenger. The complaint says officers recognized him from prior contacts.
The Expedition was traced to Percy Leonard French Sr. Investigators say he is the defendant’s father. The complaint alleges he was the driver.
The vehicle was later seen parked at the father’s residence, according to the complaint.
What happens next
The complaint lists an alleged offense date of January 12, 2026. The case was filed in court on January 30, 2026.
Anyone with information can contact the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.