The decision follows an earlier incident involving a stolen four-wheeler and a nighttime search through a swamp.<\/p>\n
According to Becker County court records, Bast previously admitted taking an ATV valued between $1,000 and $1,500.<\/p>\n
ATV Reported Stolen in Menahga<\/h2>\n
On March 18, 2025, at approximately 8:28 p.m., authorities responded to a stolen ATV report on 580th Avenue.<\/p>\n
A deputy arrived and found the ATV parked along the road, with its owner nearby.<\/p>\n
The owner reported that a neighbor had alerted him about the missing vehicle.<\/p>\n
The ATV had originally been parked in the owner’s driveway at a nearby property.<\/p>\n
After locating the four-wheeler, the owner noticed footprints in the snow leading down the road.<\/p>\n
A neighbor reported seeing a bearded man wearing a hood walking along the roadway.<\/p>\n
The neighbor identified the man as “Alex,” who was staying at a nearby residence.<\/p>\n
Suspect Allegedly Runs From Residence<\/h2>\n
Investigators followed the footprints toward the residence where Bast was reportedly staying.<\/p>\n
A woman at the property told authorities that Bast ran around the house when the deputy arrived.<\/p>\n
The deputy searched the property but could not locate him.<\/p>\n
The woman also reported that Bast had contacted her husband earlier that evening.<\/p>\n
According to court records, Bast allegedly requested a ride because a four-wheeler had broken down.<\/p>\n
Deputies Find Bast Hiding in Swamp<\/h2>\n
Later that night, authorities received information from Bast’s father.<\/p>\n
He reportedly contacted the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office and said Bast was hiding in a nearby swamp.<\/p>\n
Bast’s father said he had encouraged his son to turn himself in.<\/p>\n
He also reported that Bast wanted to leave the swamp because he was cold.<\/p>\n
Deputies from Becker and Hubbard counties returned to the property and located Bast.<\/p>\n
Bast walked out of the swamp and admitted taking the ATV, according to court records.<\/p>\n
He was arrested and transported to the Becker County Jail.<\/p>\n
Prison Sentence Stayed for Five Years<\/h2>\n
On January 14, District Judge Michelle W. Lawson sentenced Bast to 13 months in prison at St. Cloud.<\/p>\n
However, the prison sentence was stayed for five years.<\/p>\n
Bast was ordered to serve 53 days in the Becker County Jail.<\/p>\n
He received credit for 53 days already served.<\/p>\n
The court also imposed a $500 fine and $160 in court fees.<\/p>\n
His probation conditions included avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs.<\/p>\n
He was also ordered to complete cognitive skills training and required assessments.<\/p>\n
Those requirements included a comprehensive assessment and a diagnostic assessment.<\/p>\n
Bast was directed to follow all recommendations, including aftercare.<\/p>\n
Probation Violation Leads to New Court Orders<\/h2>\n
More recently, Bast faced a reported probation violation.<\/p>\n
The specific nature of the violation was not disclosed in the provided court records.<\/p>\n
During an October 5 hearing, the court allowed Bast to remain on probation.<\/p>\n
However, the judge ordered him to complete an updated comprehensive assessment.<\/p>\n
He must also follow all recommendations from that assessment, including aftercare.<\/p>\n
The original conviction involved felony theft of a motor vehicle.<\/p>\n
Readers can review Minnesota’s theft statute<\/a> for more information about state theft laws.<\/p>\n Public court information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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