Felony Briefs
Published Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Farr charged for putting vehicle in river
A man who put his grandfather’s vehicle in a Fergus Falls river is facing criminal charges. Darel Farr, 19, 217 N. Union, Fergus Falls, has been charged in Otter Tail District Court with first degree burglary and the theft of a motor vehicle. Court records state that on Sept. 4, 2007 police were called to a Fergus Falls home where a complainant reported the theft of a 2003 Buick Rendezvous.
Court records state that Farr had been asked to leave the Matthew House for not obeying rules prior to going to the home of his grandfather. He broke into the house through a bedroom window, stole $35 cash from a purse, and the keys to the vehicle. The vehicle was missing on the morning of Sept. 5, 2007 and later found in the river.
Couple charged in assistance scheme
Debra L. Melby, 45, and Scott P. Melby, 40, both of 16086 County 116, Fergus Falls, have been charged in Otter Tail District Court with four counts of wrongfully obtaining assistance. Court records state that four times in 2006 and 2007 the couple falsified records to obtain food stamps and other assistance. They were convicted of welfare fraud in 1996.
Kugler charged with financial fraud
A Fergus Falls woman is facing charges of using the financial records of a family member to obtain a credit card in the family member’s name. Lisa Ann Kugler, 48. 1115 N. Aurdal Ave., is accused of opening the account and claiming on a credit application that the family member was 10 years older than actual. The card was issued and charges made by Kugler. At the time the incident was reported the account was turned over to a collection agency with a balance of $815.
Iverson facing drug charges
Scott Iverson, 200 East St., Underwood, is charged in Otter Tail District Court with one count of 5th degree possession of a controlled substance. He was allegedly in possession of meth.
Garcia facing multiple drug charges
A Pelican Rapids man will serve 104 months in prison after pleading guilty to multiple drug-related charges.
Johnny Garcia, 50, 116 11th Ave., Pelican Rapids, pleaded guilty April 21 to possession of a controlled substance in the first degree stemming from an incident in which he was found to be selling in excess of 10 grams of cocaine. According to court records, he also pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance in the first degree stemming from an incident on Dec. 31, 2007, when he was in possession of 238 grams of meth. He was sentenced to 98 months in prison on that count, but will serve the two sentences concurrently. Three drug charges were dismissed as part of a plea bargain.
Beck charged with vehicle theft
Jessie Rae Beck, 19, 420 E. Cedar Ave., Fergus Falls, has been charged in Otter Tail District Court with motor vehicle theft and tampering with a motor vehicle.
On April 22 police responded to a report that a 1991 Ford Explorer had been stolen from the 500 block of Westview Ave.
Court records state that police later located the vehicle parked at the intersection of Beech and Northern. The owner of the vehicle suspected that an acquaintance of Beck’s had stolen the vehicle. Police interviewed the suspect, who stated that Beck allegedly joined her in stealing the vehicle. The two went to Perham in the vehicle knowing it was stolen before parking it at Beech and Northern. Beck was booked into the Otter Tail County Detention Center and released on her own recognizance.