Stearns County Sheriff's Office

On June 22 at approximately 5:10 PM, deputies responded to the 1900 block of CentraCare Circle in St. Cloud for a report of a missing elderly male.

Deputy Berg and K9 Storm quickly deployed and conducted a successful track through a wooded area, ultimately locating the individual near the bank of the Sauk River. The male was found with non–life-threatening injuries and brought safely to medical care.

Their quick response and strong teamwork ensured a positive resolution. Job well done to them both!

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE UPDATE

Due to the July 4th holiday, we will be in Melrose accepting gun permit applications on Thursday, July 2nd instead of our regular date, Friday, July 3rd.

Thank you for your understanding!

On June 18, 1993, the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the family of Thomas Lee that they could not locate Thomas. His landlord had been to his residence the day before, June 17th, and noted he was not there and appeared to have left recently. Mr. Lee was last seen in St. Cloud, MN at 6:30 PM on June 16, 1993. He has not been seen or heard from since. If anyone has information that could be helpful, please contact Investigator Scott Romstad at 320-259-3734 or Lieutenant Zach Sorenson at 320-259-3732 or submit a tip on our webpage.

This past weekend, our Law Enforcement Explorer Post 250 participated in the inaugural North Dakota Law Enforcement Youth Association State Competition. This event was held at Bonanzaville, in West Fargo, ND.

Ten members of our Post, comprising of
three teams, participated in nine scenarios designed to test their skills and knowledge as they worked to successfully resolve each situation.

Of the nine scenarios, our teams earned seven first-place plaques and three third-place plaques. In addition, one member took first place in an academic presentation and examination on cyber crimes.
This was an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Not only did the members have the opportunity to test their skills, but they also networked with youth from other agencies who share similar interests.

The Explorers appreciated that Sheriff Soyka took time to offer his support.

Thank you to NDLEYA for hosting this successful event!

Tuesday, August 4th is National Night Out. We would encourage all, if you are hosting an event and would like a member from the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office to attend, please email Deputy Paul Breth at:

[email protected]

On Friday, June 12, 2026, the U.S. Marshals Service took Ricky Kounlabout into custody in the McKinney, Texas area on a felony Stearns County arrest warrant for first-degree criminal sexual conduct. A Stearns County deputy, who is attached to the North Star Fugitive Task Force tracked Kounlabout to the McKinney, Texas area. Kounlabout is being held in Collin County, Texas pending extradition procedures back to Minnesota. The North Star Fugitive Task Force is multi-agency law enforcement team led by the U.S. Marshals Service in the District of Minnesota.

This pup was located on County Road 26 near County Road 193, in Raymond Township. There were no callers found and most of the neighbors in the area did not know whos it was. The dog was located on 6/11/2026 but had been seen running around the caller's area for a few days prior to that. The dog has since been transported to the Tri-County Humane Society. Reach out to them if you are or know the owner.

Please join us in congratulating Investigator Chad Meemken on being selected as Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D) Minnesota Instructor of the Year! Investigator Meemken has been a critical part of our School Resource Officer team instructing youth in Holdingford Public Schools and Albany Area Schools. This award reflects Investigator Meemken’s commitment to serving our communities with excellence, his ability to build law enforcement/citizen relationships that will last for years and recognizes his dedication to mentoring youth.

Stepping into classrooms across the Holdingford and Albany Area school districts to mentor youth and build real, lasting relationships takes an incredible amount of dedication. School Resource Officers have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community, and this recognition proves Investigator Meemken has done exactly that!

L.E.A.D trains law enforcement officers to teach an evidence-based prevention curriculum anywhere youth gather for educational activities, empowering them to make a real, lasting, positive impact in the lives of youth.

The impact of a great mentor can last a lifetime. Thank you, Investigator Meemken, for your commitment to keeping our communities safe and guiding the next generation. This honor is incredibly well-deserved!

This pup was located near County Road 43 and Long Lake Road in Eden Lake Township. It appears to be a Basset Hound mix and has a blue collar. If you are or know the owner, contact the sheriff's office at 320-251-4240. It will be brought to Tri County Human Society in the morning if unclaimed.

It’s never too late to celebrate National Donut Day!
Grab your favorite flavor and join in on the celebration.
Any day with a donut is a good day!