ALEXANDRIA, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – In a shocking turn of events, Minnesota legislative candidate Judd Hoff and his wife, Wendy Hoff, are facing serious criminal charges after being linked to the theft of more than 240 signs in the Alexandria area. The stolen signs included political campaign signs, real estate signs, and advertisements for special events.
Wendy Hoff, 50, has been charged with felony theft, while Judd Hoff, 53, faces charges of aiding and abetting felony theft and felony receiving of stolen property. The couple’s backyard and garage in Alexandria were reportedly filled with piles of stolen signs, many of which were defaced with black paint and repainted with “Vote Hoff, State Representative 12B.”
Judd Hoff, who is running as a DFL candidate for District 12B House against incumbent Mary Franson, has a controversial history, including a 2021 felony conviction for assault with a machete. His criminal record, combined with the recent sign theft scandal, led the Minnesota DFL Senate District 12 to rescind its endorsement of Hoff on August 12, citing the recent police actions related to the alleged thefts.
Despite facing a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine, Wendy Hoff defended her actions on Facebook, claiming she was supporting the beautification and safety of local roads and that her actions were in line with state and federal laws. However, the statement of probable cause in her case suggests otherwise, with the value of the stolen signs estimated to exceed $1,500.
The Hoffs are currently held in the Douglas County Jail as the investigation continues. Alexandria Police Chief Scott Kent has asked the public for patience as authorities work to return the stolen signs to their rightful owners.