District Court
Kandiyohi County
WILLMAR - Michael Anton Kessler, 23, Brooten, was ordered to serve 27 months in prison Wednesday after he was convicted of third-degree drug possession.
While the complete prison sentence was 27 months, he was granted supervised release for 9 months and credit for 49 days served. Kessler was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
He pleaded guilty to third-degree drug possession and had additional charges of misdemeanor possession of a synthetic cannabinoid and two petty misdemeanor drug charges dismissed Aug. 20.
Kessler and his attorney asked for a “downward departure” - a less severe sentence than that recommended in sentencing guidelines. Kessler said he wanted to become sober and go back to school.
“There’s no doubt I’ve made bad choices,” Kessler said. “I’m an addict. I just want to do the time, get help and go back to school.”
Their request was not granted by Judge Jennifer Fischer.
“I do regret having to make this decision, but I don’t believe there is another choice,” Fischer said. “Your actions over the past few months do not warrant or justify a departure of sentence.”
According to the criminal complaint, Willmar police arrived at Kessler’s apartment in April with an arrest warrant when they noted signs of substance use.
A search warrant was later served and police officers found 6 grams of meth, along with other drugs as well as paraphernalia.
Walmart threat
WILLMAR - Staff at Walmart in Willmar reported that a man threatened to blow up the store and shoot a store employee Tuesday evening.
According to the Willmar Police Department’s initial report, store employees said the man made the threats after he and another male were stopped by store staff for shoplifting. The two males then fled the scene.
No identification has been made yet on the two males, but store employees reported the man who made the threats was wearing a white T-shirt, was in his mid 20s and had long, black hair. He was reportedly accompanied by a male wearing a backpack who was estimated to be about 16 years old, who remained quiet during the incident.
The value of the items stolen is unknown at this time and Walmart is collecting reports. The crime remains under investigation by the Willmar Police Department.
Crash
WILLMAR - A woman reportedly crashed her vehicle into a building Tuesday afternoon on the 1600 block of 15th Street Southeast in Willmar. She transported herself to Rice Memorial Hospital.
ADVERTISEMENT
Theft
WILLMAR - A shoplifter was reportedly taken into custody after a theft Wednesday morning on the 1300 block of 1st Street South in Willmar.
