Wrobleski granted request to move trial out of Renville County, Minn.
OLIVIA -- A district court judge has approved a request to move the trial for a Willmar man accused of stealing vehicles and burglarizing a farm place in Renville county.
Judge Randall Slieter approved the change of venue for Matthew James Wrobleski, 38 at a hearing held Thursday in Renville County.
Wrobleski faces felony charges in Renville County for multiple vehicle thefts, burglary, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He was the focus of a manhunt last summer in Renville and Meeker counties.
His trial on the Renville County charges was scheduled to begin March 27, but will now likely be held in April instead, according to information from the Renville County attorney's office, which is prosecuting the case.
Wrobleski's attorney, George Hulstrand of Willmar, requested the change of venue. The defense noted that the alleged crimes were widely reported in the media and involved locations throughout much of the county.
The judge approved the change of venue during the hearing, and will issue a written order specifying where and when the trial will be held. Discussions at the hearing indicated the trial will likely be moved to Lac qui Parle County.
