Otter Tail Worker Charged in $4,000 Lodge Theft

OTTER TAIL, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Perham man faces a felony theft charge involving money from Thumper Pond Lodge.

Colton Russell Hackel, 23, was charged in Otter Tail County District Court. The charge stems from an alleged employee theft on June 13, 2026.

Prosecutors allege the missing property was worth between $1,000 and $5,000. The criminal complaint estimates that about $4,000 was missing.

Surveillance Video Reviewed

Law enforcement received the theft report on June 15. Investigators then reviewed surveillance footage with Assistant General Manager Andrew Martinson.

The video reportedly showed Hackel working behind the lodge’s front desk around 6 a.m.

The complaint says he moved between the front desk and a nearby room. That room contained a secure safe and lockbox.

At about 6:45 a.m., Hackel allegedly removed two bank bags from the lockbox. One bag was later described as green.

The footage allegedly showed him carrying the green bag toward the back room. He then appeared to place it inside his clothing.

Hackel allegedly left the front desk area and walked toward the parking lot. He soon returned with a beverage and continued working.

Bank Bags Found During Search

Martinson told investigators that an internal audit showed about $4,000 was missing.

Most of the money reportedly belonged to the Ottertail Rod and Gun Club. The remaining money came from pull-tab proceeds.

A search warrant was executed at Hackel’s Perham residence and vehicle on June 16.

Investigators reportedly found a gray bank bag on the rear floor of his vehicle. A green bank bag was found inside an outdoor trash container.

The gray bag contained an audit sheet connected to the gun club. Its latest entry listed $1,800, but no money remained.

The green bag contained two log sheets but no cash, according to the complaint.

Felony Charge Filed

Hackel initially denied knowing about the missing bank bags, the complaint states.

After receiving a Miranda warning, he allegedly admitted depositing money from the gray bag into his bank account.

He reportedly estimated the deposit at $2,000 or slightly more.

Hackel is charged under Minnesota’s theft law. The offense carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Case information may be reviewed through Minnesota Court Records Online. The court file number is 56-CR-26-1425.

A criminal charge is only an accusation. Hackel is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.