Winnebago’s mayor and his son are each facing four felony counts after authorities seized more than 200 marijuana plants they were growing on property they owned.
According to criminal complaints filed in Faribault County District Court on Friday, Mayor Scott James Robertson, 67, and Jacob Jon Robertson, 46, of Winnebago were each charged with two first-degree counts of unlawfully cultivating more than 23 cannabis plants.
They also face charges of first-degree aiding and abetting of unlawfully cultivating more than 23 cannabis plants and first-degree conspiracy of unlawfully cultivating more than 23 cannabis plants.
Three of the felony charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, while the conspiracy charge has a maximum penalty of 30 months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
According to a press release issued by the South Central Drug Investigation Unit (SCDIU), authorities obtained search warrants for the Robertsons’ residences and a building on Main Street.
SCDIU agents with the assistance of Faribault County deputies seized approximately 240 plants. Minnesota allows up to eight plants to be grown legally at home, but no more than four can be flowering.
According to the Faribault County Jail Roster, the Robertsons’ remain in custody after being arrested and booked on Thursday afternoon.
Bail hearings for the two were held Friday afternoon and Judge Troy Timmerman set bail or bond for both men with no conditions at $20,000.
With conditions, no bail or bond was set but they must make future court appearances; not use alcohol/controlled substances; remain law abiding; keep court officials and their attorney informed of current address.
Jacob Robertson has hired Mankato attorney Patrick Casey, according to court documents. An omnibus hearing has been scheduled for March 25.
Scott Robertson has an initial appearance set for Feb. 16 and has not yet hired an attorney, according to court records.
Robertson was re-elected to a second two-year term in November 2022, which expires Jan. 1, 2025.