Colton Russell Hackel, 23, was charged in Otter Tail County District Court. The charge stems from an alleged employee theft on June 13, 2026.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors allege the missing property was worth between $1,000 and $5,000. The criminal complaint estimates that about $4,000 was missing.<\/p>\n
Surveillance Video Reviewed<\/h2>\n
Law enforcement received the theft report on June 15. Investigators then reviewed surveillance footage with Assistant General Manager Andrew Martinson.<\/p>\n
The video reportedly showed Hackel working behind the lodge\u2019s front desk around 6 a.m.<\/p>\n
The complaint says he moved between the front desk and a nearby room. That room contained a secure safe and lockbox.<\/p>\n
At about 6:45 a.m., Hackel allegedly removed two bank bags from the lockbox. One bag was later described as green.<\/p>\n
The footage allegedly showed him carrying the green bag toward the back room. He then appeared to place it inside his clothing.<\/p>\n
Hackel allegedly left the front desk area and walked toward the parking lot. He soon returned with a beverage and continued working.<\/p>\n
Bank Bags Found During Search<\/h2>\n
Martinson told investigators that an internal audit showed about $4,000 was missing.<\/p>\n
Most of the money reportedly belonged to the Ottertail Rod and Gun Club. The remaining money came from pull-tab proceeds.<\/p>\n
A search warrant was executed at Hackel\u2019s Perham residence and vehicle on June 16.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The gray bag contained an audit sheet connected to the gun club. Its latest entry listed $1,800, but no money remained.<\/p>\n
The green bag contained two log sheets but no cash, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
Felony Charge Filed<\/h2>\n
Hackel initially denied knowing about the missing bank bags, the complaint states.<\/p>\n
After receiving a Miranda warning, he allegedly admitted depositing money from the gray bag into his bank account.<\/p>\n
He reportedly estimated the deposit at $2,000 or slightly more.<\/p>\n
Hackel is charged under Minnesota\u2019s theft law<\/a>. The offense carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.<\/p>\n Case information may be reviewed through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>. The court file number is 56-CR-26-1425.<\/p>\n A criminal charge is only an accusation. Hackel is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n
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