Man accused of faking military membership makes second court appearance

WILLMAR - The 54-year-old Willmar man alleged to have impersonated a highly decorated, non-commissioned officer in the United States Army at several local events made another court appearance Wednesday on unrelated gun charges.
Richard Arthur Rahn pleaded not guilty and waived an omnibus hearing Wednesday on felony gun possession charges stemming from two separate incidents occurring in Kandiyohi County. He will make his next court appearance January 8 for a pre-trial hearing.
The defense attorney asked for a review of Rahn’s release conditions, stating that Rahn would be fired from his job if he is not released.
Judge Donald Spilseth denied the request and said the terms will remain as is, due to concern for public safety and Rahn’s out-of-state ties. The prosecuting attorney also argued that Rahn would likely flee the area if released.
In each of the two cases, unconditional bail is $50,000 and conditional bail is $25,000, with conditions to include not leaving Minnesota without court approval and not possessing weapons. Bail is consecutive, which means bail must be posted in both cases - cash or bond is allowed - in order to gain release.
Rahn faces felony charges of felon in possession of a firearm and obstructing the legal process after law enforcement officers conducted searches in September and reportedly found firearms at his home and storage locker.
Rahn also faces a felony charge of possession of a pistol after being convicted of a violent crime, stemming from an incident last year. It is alleged that Rahn accidentally shot himself in the leg while illegally possessing the pistol. In that case, he also faces two misdemeanor charges: obstructing the legal process and a fish-and-game violation of possessing a firearm while hunting deer with a bow and arrow.
According to court documents, Rahn has been convicted of four out-of-state felonies, which makes it illegal for him to possess dangerous weapons.
He was previously convicted of two counts of felony burglary and two felony drug charges stemming from incidents in Florida and Washington.