Shevlin: Man Charged After Eviction Threat Texts

Clearwater County (trfnews.i234.me) — Kerry W. Lane, of Shevlin, Minnesota, is facing criminal charges after an eviction dispute, according to court records.

What court records allege

Court documents say Lane’s landlords served him with an eviction notice. The landlords then reported receiving threatening text messages. The report says the texts arrived on or about February 20.

The complaint says Lane claimed he rode with the Hells Angels. The texts also warned that the landlords would be harmed. The landlords asked a deputy to take a report, court records say.

Investigators listed the text messages in the criminal complaint. Prosecutors often use texts as key evidence. The final facts will be decided in court.

Arrest and breath test

Officers later located Lane and arrested him, according to the complaint. A preliminary breath test was also given. Court records list the reading as 0.371.

The complaint describes that as over four times the legal driving limit. Lane was taken to a hospital for medical clearance. He was then returned to jail, the report says.

Lane’s response

A few days later, Lane spoke with authorities again, according to court records. He denied making the statements in the texts. He also said he did not remember speaking to the deputy.

Charges and what they mean

Lane is charged with felony threats of violence. He is also charged with misdemeanor harassment. A complaint is an allegation and is not proof.

Minnesota’s threats-of-violence law allows felony penalties. The statute lists up to five years in prison. It also lists fines up to $10,000.

Lane is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Future hearings and deadlines will be set by the judge. The court can also set release terms.

How to follow the case

Case documents are often available online through the courts. You can search public records by name or case number. Use the MCRO site linked below.

Related resources

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.