Two cases in Becker County District Court highlight recent serious charges.
In one case, Matthew Carl Burton Oftelie, 39, of Detroit Lakes, faces felony charges of second-degree criminal sexual contact and gross misdemeanor buying alcohol for a minor. He is accused of purchasing alcohol for a girl under 15, making inappropriate comments, and engaging in unwanted contact. Oftelie initially denied the allegations but later admitted to some of the behavior during a Human Services interview. He was released under conditions prohibiting contact with the victim. His next court appearance is set for Dec. 2.
In another case, Kevin Donald Turck, 58, of Minneapolis, has been charged with felony first-degree drug possession and misdemeanor DWI. On Aug. 25, authorities pulled Turck over near County Highway 22 for erratic driving. A search of his vehicle uncovered 184 grams of methamphetamine hidden in headrests. Turck, previously convicted of first-degree drug sales in 2017, was ordered held without bail after a plea hearing on Nov. 26. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 30.
Both cases underscore the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the courts to address serious offenses in Becker County.