District Court

On August 17, Michael Lee Drake, 28 of Lanesboro, and Matthew Ross Thompson, 43, of Fountain, appeared before District Court Judge Christopher A. Neisen.  Drake and Thompson are each charged with Third Degree Burglary – Steal/Commit Felony or Gross Misdemeanor, a felony with a maximum criminal penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.  On or about August 16, the defendant’s allegedly broke into, or tried to break into, multiple buildings at a rural Fillmore County residence in search of gas, allegedly stealing a gas can.  The residence was that of a Minnesota State Trooper.  Drake allegedly admitted that both defendants had been using methamphetamines.