Hello Mille Lacs Lake Friends from 'Malmo' Mike Callies!
Mille Lacs area Eastside and North end residents miss the Carlsona Beach Resort and Supper Club; this case has dragged on since 2010 after the supper club was destroyed by fire and suspected arson. Here is the latest news!
Here is a significant article reported in the Mille Lacs Messengerregarding the outcome of the long awaited Ron Wise and Jennifer Wise charges and trial. All credit is to the Mille Lacs Messenger :
Ron Wise takes plea; no trial
Posted: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 6:00 am
The jury trial scheduled for Ronald Wise Oct. 22 in Aitkin County Court was cancelled and he took an Alford plea on two counts of filing false tax returns. All remaining charges were dismissed.
Ronald Wise, 50, of Baxter, owner of the former Carlsona Beach Supper Club on Mille Lacs Lake, was charged June 23, 2010, with felony first-degree arson of the supper club; four counts of felony fraud in obtaining credit and four counts of felony filing a false tax return. Charges of first degree arson and two counts of fraud in obtaining credit were dropped against Wise on Sept. 24.
On Sept. 24, the Aitkin County Attorney’s Office dismissed arson charges because the state fire marshal’s office failed to obtain and submit fire scene samples of evidentiary value for analysis to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; failed to provide funds to secure the appearance of out-of-state witnesses who conducted scientific analysis of samples taken from the scene; and failed to ensure that proper fire scene investigation and evidence gathering techniques and protocols were followed.
The Alford plea included dismissal of charges against co-defendant Jennifer Wise, 47, of Baxter.
Ron Wise’s sentencing is set for Jan. 13 at 2:30 p.m., in Aitkin County Court.
Note from MM:
In an Alford Plea, the criminal defendant does not admit the act,
but admits that the prosecution could likely prove the charge.
The court will pronounce the defendant guilty.
The defendant may plead guilty yet not admit all the facts that comprise the crime.
"The Aitkin County Attorney’s Office dismissed arson charges because the state fire marshal’s office failed to obtain and submit fire scene samples of evidentiary value for analysis to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; failed to provide funds to secure the appearance of out-of-state witnesses who conducted scientific analysis of samples taken from the scene; and failed to ensure that proper fire scene investigation and evidence gathering techniques and protocols were followed." Apparently someone didn't do their job. They should be fired!
