St. Hilaire, MN – A 67-year-old man has been sentenced for felony charges after being found with ammunition and methamphetamine while on probation.
Case Details:
Defendant: Paul Joseph Hager, 67 Location: Pennington County, Minnesota Charges:
- Felon in possession of ammunition (felony)
- Fifth-degree controlled substance crime – previous conviction (felony) Sentencing Date: February 2025
Sentencing Details:
Felon in Possession of Ammunition: Sentence: 60 months in prison (stayed for five years) Probation: Five years of supervised probation Conditions:
- Must complete a comprehensive assessment
- Complete treatment and aftercare
- Permanent firearm/ammunition possession ban
- Provide a DNA sample Fees & Fines: $260
Fifth-Degree Drug Possession: Sentence: 17 months in prison (stayed for five years, to run concurrently with the above sentence) Probation: Five years of supervised probation Conditions: Same as above
How the Case Unfolded:
April 30, 2024: A Pennington County resident tipped off law enforcement about Hager possessing stolen firearms from about 30 years ago.
Investigators learned that Hager was on probation and ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition.
When officers visited Hager’s home, they found him in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Hager admitted to using meth the day prior and was carrying a straw and 0.7 grams of meth in his pocket.
Officers also found 1.8 grams of meth inside a pill bottle and obtained search warrants for Hager’s home and vehicle.
During the home search at 215 Minnesota Ave. N., authorities discovered:
- A live 32-20 Winchester bullet
- Multiple bullets without casings
- Drug paraphernalia
- A makeshift meth pipe (glass lightbulb)
Inside Hager’s vehicle, officers also found a barbecue container filled with white powder.
Hager’s Criminal History:
Multiple prior felony drug convictions Most recent drug conviction: 2020 Previously sentenced for fifth-degree controlled substance crimes
Law Enforcement Statement:
Authorities emphasized that repeat offenders with access to illegal substances and firearms remain a public safety risk.
“This case highlights the importance of monitoring probation violators and ensuring they do not re-offend,” a Pennington County investigator stated.
What’s Next?
Hager will remain under strict probation conditions and will face prison time if he violates any terms.
For more updates on crime and legal proceedings in Minnesota and North Dakota, visit TRF News.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News