According to a document from the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department (below), a matter concerning today’s starting quarterback [Johnny Benson] was referred to the Stearns County Attorney’s Office, “for review and consideration of criminal charges including terroristic threats in violation of MSS 609.713 subs 2.”
Stearns County Sheriff’s Office Narrative Report ICR # 12006337
Sgt. Dan J. Winkels: On 2-2-12, I was requested by Capt. Jensen to refer this case file to the Stearns County’s Attorney office for review and consideration of criminal charges. I have completed a letter of transmittal and offender tracking report in reference to John Richard Benson, DOB [birthdate redacted], who has a local address of Mary Hall, Room 321, St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN and will be referring this case file to the Stearns County Attorney’s Office for review and consideration of criminal charges including terroristic threats in violation of MSS 609.713 subd 2. A copy of the offender tracking report and letter of transmittal are attached and made part of this report. I have also included a criminal history check which identifies no identifiable records.
View Sheriff’s Document as a PDF… Here
According to the original police report:
I briefly spoke with Benson who indicated that he did write the Facebook post and indicated that he wrote this in response to the opinion posted by Marker in the St. Cloud Times. He identified John Gagliardi as his grandfather and stated the article had upset him. He initially indicated that it was a threat, but during the formal statement indicated that it was not a threat.” – Stearns County Sheriff’s Report (May 9, 2014)
Discussion from May of 2012… View
