Man charged in mail thefts arrested

Local News

A Walters man charged in connection with a series of mail theft incidences in Faribault County has been arrested in Freeborn County.

Anthony Jerome Woodraska, 32, was recently released from Faribault County Jail after being taken into custody last August for allegedly helping to steal more than $1,500 from the Kiester Liquor Store.

“I can confirm that M. Woodraska was charged with identity theft and that the victims in that matter exceed 60,” says Faribault County Attorney Cameron Davis. “Three other charges against Mr. Woodraska remain under review in our office.”

Faribault County authorities conducted an investigation of the mail thefts and discovered that Woodraska was involved.

“The investigation is closed and there are no other suspects,” says Chief Deputy Scott Adams. “It will be up to the courts, if we go get him.”

Woodraska was arrested last Thursday in Albert Lea when police tried to apprehend him on a warrant issued by Faribault County.

When police determined Woodraska was at a residence, he reportedly barricaded himself inside the house and refused requests to surrender.

While negotiating with Woodraska, Lakeview Elementary School received a call of a bomb in the building. Staff and students immediately evacuated as police investigated.

Authorities were able to convince him to come out of the house and he reportedly admitted to a detective that he called in the bomb threat in hopes of diverting officers to given him a chance to evade officers.

Woodraska was charged one felony count of communicating to another that an explosive device is present tied to the threat. He faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $3,000 fine.

In addition to the felony identity theft charge in Faribault County, Woodraska could face federal charges for mail theft which carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.

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