The house had been burglarized earlier in the week on March 26, 2026, and copper piping in particular was targeted. The caller noted that a trail cam had picked up an individual on the property. The house has been vacant for a couple years and the neighbors keep an eye on the property. Upon arrival, Deputies observed a silver pick‐up truck parked at the property. The vehicle was unoccupied, and footprints were observed in the newly fallen snow. The deputies called for back‐up and waited, observing the residence.
A short time later, a female exited the residence carrying a large box, which she set on the stairs outside of the property. The box was later found to contain planting materials and had originated inside the house. A male party also exited the residence. They were detained and identified as Latisha Marie Townley, [DOB REDACTED], and Justin Paul Nieken, [DOB REDACTED]. A third individual, Justin Paul Gaslin II, [DOB REDACTED], was located in the doorway of the house. Nieken was interviewed and provided that a fourth individual had been assisting them and let the parties into the residence through the rear door.
That individual left the property approximately ten minutes before law enforcement arrived and was not located in the area. Nieken identified bringing his DeWalt Sawzall with him to the property. Nieken acknowledged he had been at the property approximately a week prior and removed items from the residence at that time as well. Nieken stated the fourth individual was in the basement cutting pipes, while Townley, Gaslin, and himself looked through the property for antiques and valuables. Nieken stated that Townley was taking some items from the house and asked him to bring up paint cans from the basement, which he did.
Nieken advised everyone in the group smoked methamphetamine prior to going to the residence. Drug paraphernalia, including what appeared to be a methamphetamine smoking pipe was located at the scene within the house, and smoking devices were also seized off all three following a search. Inside the residence was a garbage can containing cut copper pipes in the basement, alongside a DeWalt Sawzall. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49, intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
