Latest news with #MinnesotaBureauofCriminalApprehension
Mint
2 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Ex-CEO Jason Christopher Yates pleads guilty to possessing child pornography
In a development sending shockwaves through America's faith-based circles, Jason Christopher Yates, the former CEO of a prominent Christian non-profit, has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography. Yates, 56, admitted guilt to two felony counts of possessing horrific child abuse imagery in a Minnesota district court on July 22, months after his initial arrest, the USA Today reported. Yates previously headed "My Faith Votes," an influential organisation dedicated to mobilising Christian voters in US elections. His admission of guilt has cast a dark shadow over the group's mission and sparked widespread condemnation. The sinister nature of Yates's activities began to unravel on July 31, 2024, when the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension received a hard drive laden with child abuse images. The individual who handed over the evidence claimed to have received it from a relative of Yates. This relative, by sheer chance, reportedly discovered the hard drive tucked away in a dresser in Yates's office. According to reports, the relative stumbled upon the drive while seeking extra storage for their own computer. What they uncovered instead was a horrifying collection of child pornography. Yates's arrest in October 2024, as per a USA Today report, prompted swift action from "My Faith Votes." The organisation confirmed that Yates had been separated from his role as CEO in early August 2024, even before his arrest became public. Chris Sadler, a board member, immediately stepped in as Acting CEO. "In early August 2024, the My Faith Votes board of directors separated Jason Yates from My Faith Votes and board member Chris Sadler assumed the position of Acting CEO," My Faith Votes stated in a press release to Religion News Service. "Over the last three months, Chris has been working with the dedicated My Faith Votes team to encourage millions of Christians to vote, pray and think biblically about this election in America.' When confronted by agents in September, Yates chillingly confirmed that the images on the hard drive were indeed his and not his relatives. He also made a disturbing disclosure: he had a prior conviction for possessing child sex abuse images, though it had reportedly been expunged from his record. This revelation raises serious questions about the vetting processes within such organisations and the persistent threat posed by such offenders.
CBS News
16-07-2025
- CBS News
Authorities concerned for safety of missing Wadena man Samuel Waln
A man missing from central Minnesota may be in danger, and authorities are asking the public for help in the search. According to the Wadena County Sheriff's Office, 30-year-old Samuel Waln was last seen Saturday, heading eastbound on Highway 10 in the city of Wadena. Waln was driving a white 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Minnesota plates reading SCV975. Authorities described Waln as a 5-foot-8, 130-pound White man with blond hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a green long-sleeved shirt, gray baseball cap, dark pants and white Nike tennis shoes when last seen. "The authorities are concerned for Samuel's safety," said an alert from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Anyone with information about the missing man is asked to call the Wadena County Sheriff's Office at 218-631-7600, or dial 911.
17-06-2025
- Politics
With Minnesota assassin suspect in custody, questions about his plot remain unanswered
As investigators probe the extent of alleged political assassin Vance Boelter's plot targeting Minnesota lawmakers, authorities have yet to publicly answer several major questions about the suspect's weekend rampage. The 57-year-old Boelter, a married father who friends said was trying to start a security business, is accused of killing Rep. Melissa Hortman, D-Minn., and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday, after he allegedly shot Sen. John Hoffman, D-Minn., and his wife, Yvette, at their residence. Boelter was disguised as a police officer when he allegedly committed the shootings and was driving an unmarked black SUV that was fitted with emergency lights to make it appear to be a law enforcement vehicle, officials said. Police said the suspect also went to the homes of two other Minnesota lawmakers before dawn on Saturday, but one was not home and he was apparently scared off by law enforcement who showed up at the home of the second politician while he was at the scene. What was the motive? "As for why, it remains unclear," Minnesota U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson said at a news conference on Monday when asked about a possible motive. Police officers were sent to Hortman's home to conduct a welfare check after hearing of the shooting at Sen. Hoffman's home, officials said. The officers arrived at Hortman's home about 3:30 a.m. on Saturday and spotted the suspect just feet from the front door and his vehicle parked in the driveway. Thompson said that as the officers approached the home, Boelter, who was dressed as a police officer and wearing a hyper-realistic mask, opened fire. Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said it remains under investigation whether Boelter fired at the officers or was shooting into the door of Hortman's home. When officers opened fire, the suspect entered the home, fatally shooting Hortman and her husband, Mark, Thompson said. After allegedly gunning down Rep. Hortman and her husband, Boelter fled out the back door of the house, Thompson said. Police found the suspect's 9mm Beretta, body armor and mask ditched behind Hortman's home. In Boelter's vehicle left in the driveway with its emergency lights flashing, police discovered five more firearms, including assault-style rifles and a large quantity of ammunition, Thompson said. Also in the car was a notebook containing the names and addresses of more than 45 Minnesota state and federal elected officials, including information on Hortman. Information on elected leaders from other states and abortion-rights supporters was also found in the notebook, as well as detailed notes from surveillance excursions the suspect allegedly conducted on potential targets, Thompson said. "I've seen nothing like a Unabomber-style manifesto in his writing," said Thompson, referring to Theodore Kaczynski, who was arrested in 1996 and laid out his nearly 20-year bombing campaign in 40,000 pages of documents that expressed his hatred of modern technology and industrial society. While Boelter allegedly filled many notebooks with plans and notes on the surveillance he conducted on potential targets, Thompson said, "I have not seen anything involving some sort of screed or manifesto that would clearly identify what motivated him." "Obviously, his primary motive was to go out and murder people," Thompson said. "Now they were all elected officials. They were all Democrats. Beyond that, I think it's just way too speculative for anyone that's reviewed these materials to know and to say what was motivating him in terms of ideology or specific issues." How long was the plot planned? It appears that Boelter had allegedly planned his attacks over an extensive period of time, Thompson said. But how much time went into planning the attacks remains unknown. "The writings appear to have been done at various times over the course of at least months, I would say. But beyond that, it's speculative," Thompson said. Why hasn't a terrorism charge been filed against Boelter? A federal complaint filed on Monday against Boelter charged him with stalking and murdering Rep. Hortman and her husband and stalking and shooting Sen. Hoffman and his wife. A state complaint filed against Boelter charged him with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. But prosecutors have not charged Boelter with terrorism, which is defined under federal law as an offense "that is calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion, or to retaliate against government conduct." "We brought the charges that we think are appropriate right now," Thompson said. Thompson added that terrorism charges against Boelter have not been ruled out. "I can't comment as to what other charges may or may not be brought," Thompson said. He added that if Boelter is convicted of the current federal charges filed against him, he could be sentenced to death. But Thompson said a decision has not yet been made to pursue the death penalty. Did the suspect have help? Investigators are continuing to probe whether anyone helped Boelter allegedly plan and carry out Saturday's shootings, and if anyone assisted him in hiding from authorities during the manhunt. "At this time, there's nothing in the complaint suggesting someone did, but the investigation is ongoing. In fact, it's just in it's infancy," Thompson said. Where did Boelter allegedly get his guns? In the suspect's vehicle abandoned at Rep. Hortman's home, police found at five weapons, including three AK-47 assault rifles, a 9mm handgun and a disassembled 9mm firearm in addition to the 9mm Baretta found behind Hortman's home, according to a criminal complaint filed in the state case against Boelter. "Defendant is the listed purchaser for at least four of the recovered firearms," according to the complaint, which does not identify where or when the guns were purchased. It remains unclear how Boelter got the other two guns police recovered in the investigation.
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Minnesota ‘gunman' Vance Boelter's ‘assassination notebook' revealed by cops – as his chilling last ‘war' text emerges
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE chilling notebook detailing the hit list of the alleged Minnesota assassin has been revealed by cops. Vance Boulter, 57, is accused of shooting and killing Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband at their home on Saturday before sending a series of frightening text messages to his family. 9 Vance Boelter, 57, has been charged with killing a Minnesota representative and her husband in a shooting 9 Pictures of the chilling notebook believed to have been with 'gunman' Boetler reveal a list of possible targets Credit: Department of Justice 9 Melissa Hortman with her husband, Mark, were killed in the shooting Boelter, who is also accused of injuring Senator John Hoffman and his wife in another shooting, allegedly texted his family saying: "Dad went to war last night… I don't wanna say more because I don't wanna implicate anybody." In another chilling message, he reportedly told his wife: "Words are not gonna explain how sorry I am for this situation. There's gonna be some people coming to the house armed and trigger-happy and I don't want you guys around." His disturbing notes, which cops recovered from the crime scene, are believed to have been on him when he carried out the assassinations. Pages contained a list of 45 Democrats and abortion campaigners, and a number of company websites that sell silicone facemasks - like the one he is alleged to have worn during the killing spree. Police clarified on Sunday that Boelter's notes were not "ideological writings" and insisted they were not being treated like a "traditional manifesto." Prior to Boelter's arrest, head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Drew Evans said: "I want to clarify for everybody, this is not a document…that would be like a traditional manifesto that's like a treatise on all kinds of ideologies and writings. "I don't want the public to have the impression that there's this long manifesto that's providing all of this other information and details and then is associated with names." Boelter was arrested near his home in Green Isle on Sunday night after a brief manhunt. He has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder, according to Hennepin County court records. During the search for the suspect, investigators found a fake police vehicle that Boelter allegedly used to pose as a police officer to carry out the shootings. Inside the car, police found a cache of weapons, including at least three AK-47 assault rifles and a notebook with the names and addresses of other public officials. List of death Named on the list were Senator Amy Klobuchar and "squad member" Rep. Ilhan Omar, reported The Minnesota Star Tribune. Minnesota Dem Melissa Hortman shot dead by fake cop & 2nd lawmaker injured as 'No Kings' fliers found in suspect's car Others include Congresswoman Kelly Morrison, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, and Jeff Bezos' ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott. Some doctors who worked for Planned Parenthood were on the list, as well as several abortion clinics, including one that is scheduled to open in Omaha, Nebraska. Former congressman Dean Phillips claimed in an X post that he was on the list as well, writing, "I extend heartfelt gratitude to Minnesota's law enforcement professionals," after Boelter's arrest. "Now, we must take steps to prevent political violence before it's too late." Timeline of Minnesota's shooting Vance Boelter has been arrested for the targeted shootings of Minnesota lawmakers Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman. Below is a timeline of events: Saturday, June 14 2 am - Cops receive a phone call about a shooting at Hoffman's house. Cops call nearby officers to proactively check Hortman's home because it's close by in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. 3:35 am - Police arrive at Hortman's home and find a car that looks like a cop car in her driveway. Officers see the suspect, dressed as a cop and wearing a latex mask, leaving the Hortman's house. Cops exchange gunfire with the suspect, who runs back into the home and leaves out the back door on foot. 7:11 am — A shelter-in-place warning is issued for three miles around Brooklyn Park. 7:35 am - Minnesota Governor Tim Walz posts on social media that he's been briefed on the shootings. 9:30 am - Walz and cops give the first news conference on the shootings and confirm the Hormans' deaths. Minnesotans are asked not to attend rallies taking place across the state. 3 pm - Law enforcement officers identify Boelter as the suspect and release multiple pictures of him wearing a mask and dressed like a cop. 3:20 pm - Police lift shelter-in-place in Brooklyn Park. 4:45 pm - The FBI offers a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter's arrest and conviction. Sunday, June 15 10:50 am - Boelter's car is found near Minnesota Highway 25 and 301st Avenue in Sibley County. Residents in the area are asked to lock their doors and stay in place. 9:30 pm - Boelter is arrested in the woods near his home in Green Isle, Sibley County Night of terror Boelter was named as a suspect on June 14 after shootings were reported at the homes of Hortman and Hoffman. Hortman and her husband, Mark, were pronounced dead at their Brooklyn Park home. The couple's dog, Gilbert, was severely injured in the attack and had to be euthanized. "Her children had to put him down after learning their parents had been murdered," former Minnesota House member Erin Koegel said on X of Hortman's children. "Gilbert wasn't going to survive. Hoffman and his wife Yvette had surgery after suffering multiple gunshot wounds at their residence in Champlin, about nine miles away from the Hortmans. Officials said they are "cautiously optimistic" that the pair will survive what Governor Tim Walz called an "unspeakable tragedy" and a "politically motivated assassination." 9 Listed in the manifesto as a possible target was MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos 9 US Representative Ilhan Omar, a member of 'the squad,' was also listed 9 Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison was mentioned on the list The Hoffmans' nephew revealed that the couple had been shot 11 times during the horror attack. He shared in a Facebook post how his aunt Yvette had thrown herself on top of her daughter to protect her. Boelter is scheduled to appear in court on Monday for the charges against him and a federal warrant for "unlawful flight to avoid prosecution." His other charges will soon be upgraded as the state "intends to pursue first-degree murder charges against Boelter," said Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty at a news conference. The Department of Justice is also deciding to throw federal charges against Boelter, which, if convicted, could result in the death penalty. 9 Suspect Vance Boelter wearing a latex mask Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 9 Investigators found several weapons and a manifesto in a fake police vehicle that Boelter allegedly used in the shootings
The Irish Sun
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Minnesota ‘gunman' Vance Boelter's ‘assassination notebook' revealed by cops – as his chilling last ‘war' text emerges
THE chilling notebook detailing the hit list of the alleged Minnesota assassin has been revealed by cops. Vance Boulter, 57, is accused of shooting and killing Representative Advertisement 9 Vance Boelter, 57, has been charged with killing a Minnesota representative and her husband in a shooting 9 Pictures of the chilling notebook believed to have been with 'gunman' Boetler reveal a list of possible targets Credit: Department of Justice 9 Melissa Hortman with her husband, Mark, were killed in the shooting Boelter, who is also accused of injuring Senator John Hoffman and his wife in another shooting, allegedly texted his family saying: "Dad went to war last night… I don't wanna say more because I don't wanna implicate anybody." In another chilling message, he reportedly told his wife: "Words are not gonna explain how sorry I am for this situation. There's gonna be some people coming to the house armed and trigger-happy and I don't want you guys around." His disturbing notes, which cops recovered from the crime scene, are believed to have been on him when he carried out the assassinations. Advertisement Read more on World Police clarified on Sunday that Boelter's notes were not "ideological writings" and insisted they were not being treated like a "traditional manifesto." Prior to Boelter's arrest, head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Drew Evans said: "I want to clarify for everybody, this is not a document…that would be like a traditional manifesto that's like a treatise on all kinds of ideologies and writings. "I don't want the public to have the impression that there's this long manifesto that's providing all of this other information and details and then is associated with names." Boelter was arrested near his home in Green Isle on Sunday night after a brief manhunt. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Breaking Exclusive He has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder, according to Hennepin County court records. During the search for the suspect, investigators found a fake police vehicle that Boelter allegedly used to pose as a police officer to carry out the shootings. Inside the car, police found a cache of weapons, including at least three AK-47 assault rifles and a notebook with the names and addresses of other public officials. List of death Named on the list were Senator Advertisement Minnesota Dem Melissa Hortman shot dead by fake cop & 2nd lawmaker injured as 'No Kings' fliers found in suspect's car Others include Congresswoman Kelly Morrison, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, and Jeff Bezos' ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott. Some doctors who worked for Planned Parenthood were on the list, as well as several abortion clinics, including one that is scheduled to open in Omaha, Nebraska. Former congressman Dean Phillips claimed in an X post that he was on the list as well, "Now, we must take steps to prevent political violence before it's too late." Advertisement Timeline of Minnesota's shooting Vance Boelter has been arrested for the targeted shootings of Minnesota lawmakers Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman. Below is a timeline of events: Saturday, June 14 2 am - Cops receive a phone call about a shooting at Hoffman's house. Cops call nearby officers to proactively check Hortman's home because it's close by in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. 3:35 am - Police arrive at Hortman's home and find a car that looks like a cop car in her driveway. Officers see the suspect, dressed as a cop and wearing a latex mask, leaving the Hortman's house. Cops exchange gunfire with the suspect, who runs back into the home and leaves out the back door on foot. 7:11 am — A shelter-in-place warning is issued for three miles around Brooklyn Park. 7:35 am - Minnesota Governor Tim Walz posts on social media that he's been briefed on the shootings. 9:30 am - Walz and cops give the first news conference on the shootings and confirm the Hormans' deaths. Minnesotans are asked not to attend rallies taking place across the state. 3 pm - Law enforcement officers identify Boelter as the suspect and release multiple pictures of him wearing a mask and dressed like a cop. 3:20 pm - Police lift shelter-in-place in Brooklyn Park. 4:45 pm - The FBI offers a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter's arrest and conviction. Sunday, June 15 10:50 am - Boelter's car is found near Minnesota Highway 25 and 301st Avenue in Sibley County. Residents in the area are asked to lock their doors and stay in place. 9:30 pm - Boelter is arrested in the woods near his home in Green Isle, Sibley County Night of terror Boelter was named as a suspect on June 14 after Hortman and her husband, Mark, were pronounced dead at their Brooklyn Park home. The couple's dog, Gilbert, was severely injured in the attack and had to be euthanized. "Her children had to put him down after learning their parents had been murdered," former Minnesota House member Erin Koegel said on X of Hortman's children. Advertisement "Gilbert wasn't going to survive. Hoffman and his wife Yvette had surgery after suffering multiple gunshot wounds at their residence in Champlin, about nine miles away from the Hortmans. Officials said they are "cautiously optimistic" that the pair will survive what Governor 9 Listed in the manifesto as a possible target was MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos Advertisement 9 US Representative Ilhan Omar, a member of 'the squad,' was also listed 9 Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison was mentioned on the list The Hoffmans' nephew revealed that the couple had been He shared in a Facebook post how his aunt Yvette had Advertisement Boelter is scheduled to appear in court on Monday for the charges against him and a federal warrant for "unlawful flight to avoid prosecution." His other charges will soon be upgraded as the state "intends to pursue first-degree murder charges against Boelter," said Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty at a news conference. The Department of Justice is also deciding to throw federal charges against Boelter, which, if convicted, could result in the death penalty. 9 Suspect Vance Boelter wearing a latex mask Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Advertisement 9 Investigators found several weapons and a manifesto in a fake police vehicle that Boelter allegedly used in the shootings 9 Sen. Amy Klobuchar was also listed in the manifesto, along with several abortion doctors
