The criminal drug cases against Winnebago’s former mayor and his son have been dismissed.
In a document filed in Faribault County District Court on Aug. 27, County Attorney Cameron Davis tossed out all charges without prejudice and “in the interest of justice.”
Davis says after a continued investigation following the defendants arrest on Feb. 8 and review of the evidence, “The state believes it is presently unable to prove without a reasonable doubt they violated criminal cannabis cultivation laws by growing more than 16 plants that meet the legal definition of cannabis under applicable statutes.”
Last February, 68-year-old Scott James Robertson and 46-year-old Jacob Jon Robertson were each charged with:
- two first-degree felony counts of unlawfully cultivating more than 23 cannabis plants;
- felony charge of first-degree aiding and abetting of unlawfully cultivating more than 23 cannabis plants;
- and, conspiracy felony of first-degree unlawfully cultivating of more than 23 cannabis plants.
Scott Robertson says he feels relieved and vindicated because the past six months have been stressful and his life has been put on hold.
“I’ve always tried to live on the right side of the law,” he says. “They didn’t have the goods and case they thought they had. I always knew I would be cleared.”
Robertson praised the thorough investigation conducted by a state drug agency and the thoughtfulness and conduct of Davis.
“I have no ill-feelings toward the sheriff’s department or Faribault County,” he says. “They were doing their job. I’m not looking to retaliate against anyone.”
Robertson says Feb. 8 “was the worst day of my life,” and he is ready to move on.
Following his arrest and shortly after being formally charged Robertson resigned his position as mayor on the council.
“I left on terms I didn’t like. I am still interested in city government,” he says. “Don’t count me out. I’II be back.”
Robertson says he was once elected to the council as a write-in candidate and isn’t ruling that out in the November general election.
Our vindicated moyor cultivating marijuana for his legal person use could promote the economic opportunities that recreational use of marijuana could bring to our community. It’s a great opportunity for us.