Charges allege that Winnebago’s mayor and his son had an illegal cannabis growing operation in the city.
Scott Robertson and his son Jacob face two felonies related to unlawful cultivation of cannabis plants and two felonies related to aiding and abetting and conspiracy in Faribault County District Court.
A criminal complaint filed Friday states that investigators reported finding 240 cannabis plants growing at Winnebago properties owned by the Robertsons. Minnesota allows up to eight plants to be legally grown at home, as long as no more than four are mature.
The complaint alleges that Scott Robertson told police his son might have eight plants at a property on Main Street. He reportedly denied any plants were growing at another property on 340th Ave, before later saying he has planted 200 in greenhouses.
The father and son had previously had a licensed hemp cultivating operation in the city. The license expired in December, although they reportedly hadn’t registered any hemp plants with the state since 2021.
Law enforcement officers used search warrants to conduct a raid on the properties last Thursday, finding 55 plants at Main Street and 185 plants at 340th Ave.
Agents said they also found a box of seeds addressed to Scott Robertson during the search, along with financial information indicating a $360,000 profit distribution plan.
The father’s initial court appearance is set for February 16th, while his son has a court hearing set for March 25th.