Man Accused of Threatening Otter Tail Political Candidate
BY MN CRIME STAFF
A 25-year-old man is charged after prosecutors say he made continued violent threats toward a political candidate in Otter Tail County.
Authorities say the candidate first reported a series of threatening phone calls and text messages received the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 3.
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Law enforcement was able to identify the person who allegedly made the threats as Brandon Michael Dewolf, of Waconia.
According to the criminal complaint, Dewolf initially called the candidate and starting making the verbal threats, but poor call quality prevented the candidate from hearing the full statements. The candidate ended the call without engaging in the conversation and prosecutors allege Dewolf called three more times, then called again from a second phone number. The victim recognized his voice and Dewolf allegedly continued making threats on the second line.
Authorities say Dewolf later sent a series of text messages around 9:23 a.m. from a phone number with a 763 area code. The messages included:
“Thank for letting me know your name”
“I will be looking.you up and finding you”
“STAND WITH ICE”
“Deport them all”
"Harassing me and calling my phone ## is a crime..”
“I will find u”
“And we can have words man to man Mr democrat”
“Thank foe (sic) telling me who you are and with and yiur (sic) name.”
READ MORE > Otter Tail County coverage
Investigators say a second string of messages was sent around 9:28 a.m. from a phone number with a 952 area code, which police later determined was associated with a TextNow service account created the same day. The complaint alleges those messages stated:
“I will f****** HURT YOU”
“Don”
“WE ARE PROUD AMERICANS THAT STANF (sic) WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT”
“You are spreading terrorists rhetoric that implies me to defend myself”
“You spreading false information and lies and leading to the deaths of people like Renee and alex”
“Im obligated to detain you and suppress you dangerous terrorists movement. I will be looking into who you are and where you live. And wr (sic) will handle things accordingly.”
Prosecutors say both phone numbers were linked to Dewolf. Investigators also noted the use of the TextNow service as a way to conceal a user’s primary phone number.
The complaint states the candidate believed the threats were serious and feared Dewolf could act violently. Investigators also referenced heightened safety concerns tied to recent political violence in Minnesota while describing the response.
Officers later contacted Dewolf the same day. According to court documents, Dewolf made an excited utterance acknowledging his involvement in the calls and text messages and expressed regret. During a recorded statement after being advised of his rights, prosecutors say Dewolf claimed he believed he had received a spam call.
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Investigators say when he listened to a voicemail connected to the candidate’s political campaign, the message clearly identified the candidate by name and the office being sought. The complaint states Dewolf described his behavior as “f****** psycho.”
Dewolf made an initial court appearance on Thursday where cash bail was set at $2,000 with conditions including to remain law-abiding and having no contact with the alleged victim. His next court date is set for Feb. 17.
If convicted, Dewolf faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine on the threats of violence charge. The disorderly conduct charge carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
