Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom announced that Austin James Hagen, age 23 of Lakeville, has been charged* with one count each of Controlled Substance Crime in the First Degree Possession with Intent to Sell marijuana and Controlled Substance Crime in the Second Degree Possession in connection with the discovery of several thousand candy-like "gummies" containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during a traffic stop in Lakeville.
The criminal complaint alleges that on February 2, 2018, a Lakeville police officer stopped a motor vehicle for an equipment violation. During the stop the officer smelled an odor of marijuana coming from the interior of the vehicle. During a subsequent search of the vehicle the officer recovered several Tupperware bins containing over 99 pounds of candy like "gummies" containing concentrated tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Additional facts pertaining to this case can be found in the criminal complaints which are located online at: Criminal Complaint Search. If in custody, mug shots can be viewed at: Inmate Search.
Backstrom commented, "This is the second case within the past week that our office has charged in arrests made in Lakeville involving a large amount of "gummies" containing THC. Gummies and other edibles are of great concern as they are manufactured with varying levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana. When products are shaped like candy, there is a not only a greater concern of possible overdose, there is also the concern that children will accidentally ingest them."
Backstrom thanked the Lakeville Police Department for their quick response and thorough investigation of this case.
Hagen made his first court appearance on these charges today, and bail was set in the amount of $100,000 without conditions ($20,000 with conditions) by Judge Janet Cain. His next court appearance was set for March 15, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. in Hastings.
If you have questions, contact James Backstrom at 651-438-4438.
*Criminal charges are not evidence of guilt. A defendant/suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
