Crow Wing County commissioners heard a request for a special prosecutor Tuesday.
The county took no action on the request but listened to several people who spoke on the issue during the open forum.
Alan Stene said his son, James, a Clark Lake Homes resident, was taken by the group home staff to vote this past fall. Stene described his 35-year-old son as a vulnerable adult who suffered a traumatic brain injury after a near-drowning when he was 12. Stene said his son’s mental capabilities are between the ages of 10-15 and a voter fraud crime was committed using his son.
In December, Crow Wing County Attorney Don Ryan said he did not find evidence supporting a claim of voter fraud.
At Tuesday’s board meeting, Stene said the county’s investigation focused on the voter fraud and closed prematurely. He said his son’s case was not unique and other individuals were involved.
In a written and notarized statement, Stene said: “It is apparent to me that James was exploited by these individuals who were caring for him by bringing him to vote.”
Stene spoke to the board and was accompanied by his son. Stene said he now lives in Montana and only recently learned of the October voting incident. In his statement, Stene said his son is mentally incompetent and very coachable, leading to his belief someone filled in his son’s ballot.
Stene told commissioners his son was “made to vote” by the group home. James, in a halting voice, said he was made to vote.
Lynn Peterson, owner of Clark Lake Home, did not return a call seeking comment following Tuesday’s meeting.
Stene said he was before the board on an exploitation issue, not a voter fraud issue.
“If you can’t do anything for me, you tell me who can and I will be there, my son and I will be there,” Stene said.
At the Tuesday meeting, Ryan took issue with Stene’s statements, saying Stene misrepresented their conversations when speaking to the board.
Ryan said when he sat down and spoke to James “he personally informed me he did want to vote not that someone made him to vote. ...
“I think it’s a bad thing to come in and try to create an issue in an open forum setting and when it will be televised,” Ryan said. “There currently is an investigation pending into the exploitation of a vulnerable adult.”
In December, Ryan reported his office did not find evidence to substantiate a Crow Wing Township resident’s claim of voter fraud. On Nov. 1, Montgomery Jensen of Crow Wing Township filed a complaint with Ryan’s office.
In his affidavit, Jensen said he witnessed what appeared to be staff members from a group home filling out a client’s ballot and verbally instructing a client who to vote for during absentee balloting.
At the time, Ryan said it was appropriate for Jensen to bring his concerns of voter assistance fraud to his office but Ryan said he didn’t have evidence to charge anyone for voter assistance fraud.
Ryan said what Jensen observed was somewhat substantiated but he didn’t have evidence beyond a reasonable doubt of a crime.
Tuesday, Jensen said he’s been looked at as a nuisance as has the Minnesota Freedom Council. Jensen said he was denied access to his statements following sheriff’s department interviews. Jensen said he’s received conflicting stories from county employees that led him to believe they have no interest in upholding the law or protecting vulnerable adults, which he said was unacceptable. Jensen said Ryan told him his complaint was justified and yet no charges were filed.
Jensen requested the appointment of a special investigator, who is not associated with Crow Wing County.
Ryan said he was not aware of the county’s ability to appoint a special prosecutor.
County board chair Paul Thiede said he was trying to be fair to the speakers but a lot of the things were out of the county board’s hands, noting the board was limited in its power as well.
“The board is willing to listen, willing to say this is a very serious matter,” Thiede said. “I think we have taken it seriously. We are taking it seriously. ... I don’t know if we can do much but accept what you said today.”
Thiede said it sounded as if the dispute may be resolved in the courts but the board tried to be fair in letting the people raise the issue.
Stene said while he wasn’t trying to distance himself from the others before the board regarding the voter fraud, but his concern was a separate one.
Ron Kaus, a volunteer with the Minnesota Freedom Council, presented the board with a thick packet of data, including copies of absentee voter packets. Guy Green was present with the other speakers but did not address the board.
Kaus also requested a special prosecutor to see if Ryan was in violation of state statute.
“There are obvious things that have not been done among other things and our central theme has been a thorough investigation and to defend the exploitation of the vulnerable,” Kaus said. “We have no dog in the race other than that.”
Ryan said to investigate whether a county attorney was guilty of extreme prosecutorial inaction means a petition to the governor who would assign the attorney general to investigate by convening a grand jury.
“I stand by my prior decisions and I will not be intimidated by those who want to come before this board or any other public board in an attempt to insinuate, threaten or intimidate, the way in which prosecution or law enforcement is conducted,” Ryan said.
Ryan said he has been working on efforts to host a June educational public forum to explain the rights to vote for those people who are under guardianships.
Thiede said it wasn’t his intention to embroil the county board in this. Thiede said he believed the board is interested in protecting the voting rights of the people.
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
Comments (39)
Add commentBring out the Left-Wing Hacks! (AJ?, Dog Gone?)
{In December, Crow Wing County Attorney Don Ryan said he did not find evidence supporting a claim of voter fraud.}
Ryan addressed the CWC Board on 12/28/10 (listen for yourselves) when he very defensively defended the prosecutorial efforts related "only" to the fraud addressed by Jensen.
Objective listeners will easily ascertain that any unrelated voter fraud evidence discovered during the investigative period pertaining to Jensen's testimony of fraudulent voter assistance; Ryan was not obligated to prosecute or for that matter, even move forward with further investigations.
Ryan was very clear and, unprofessionally upset I might add-- (how dare you question me), that the investigation along with the supposed prosecutorial efforts placed forth were only focused on the fraudulent voter assistance at the polling place.
Fact of the matter was and is, the exploitation of the vulnerable intellectually challenged individuals was never a consideration of the earlier investigation related to Jensen's testimony of fraudulent voter assistance...regardless of the evidence that may have been discovered throughout the investigation.
This does nothing to bolster the claims of high voting integrity in this County.
In other words...
If it isn't officially reported, it never happened and thereby nary a crime was committed.
Just the way some people in this County like it and want it to stay!
Undoubtedly this story will bring out the left-wing hacks insisting the people challenging "the process" in this County as it relates to the investigative/prosecutorial efforts of the Crow Wing County Attorney's office and Minnesota State Statutes in regards to how such claims of voter fraud are addressed, will hinge around one premise...
They are all trying to take away the rights of the intellectually challenged to vote.
Jeff Czeczok
I think the bigger issue
is how does one determine when a challenged person is capable of choosing for themselves? Stene appears to be saying he doesn't believe his son, James should be trusted to vote because James is easily led.
But we all accuse each other of that constantly.
Vunerable adults
There are differences in the term "vunerable adult."
Adults that are elderly and in nursing homes or assisted living that are considered vunerable but are still sharp enough to know what's going on in the world and have the right to vote.
Then there are adults that have brain injury's or are special needs that have been living in a controlled environment that have no idea of the outside world and shouldn't have the right to vote on situations outside of their world.
Would you want your 5 year old voting? There are 5 year old minds in 30 year old "vunerable adults."
A Question for 'NanLee60'
Would you be happy if voting was restricted to folks who know how to spell "VULNERABLE"?
Sorry Mission
Sorry Mission, no need to get catty about it. From here on out, I'll make sure I watch to see if you make any errors on anything. You can be sure that I will pounce on you with both feet if you do.
Agreed johngalt!!!!
Agreed johngalt!!!!
Does the Father want to remove his son's right to vote?
Is this father questioning his son's right to vote?
In Minnesota, only a court may decide whether an individual is competent to vote.
No one else may make this decision, including spouses, children, caregivers, doctors, or nurses, even if they personally are convinced that the individual is not competent to vote. Individuals who are under guardianship, conservatorship or for whom someone else has power of attorney retain their right to vote unless it is specifically revoked by a court (Minnesota Statutes, section 524.5-313 (c) (8)). [http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=1612]
It's very dangerous
It's very dangerous to infringe on anyone's right to vote.
Jensen...
Simply couldn't stomach the thought of a mentally impaired individual with a different view having the right to vote.
The whole thing is a charade co-sponored by fellow [filtered phrase] such as Guy Green. Dishonest and undemocratic. God knows the truth and the dishonest will have to answer one day for their deeds.
Thank you Oakleaf for your
Thank you Oakleaf for your comment. I work with individuals who are intellectually challenged. As a professional, we maintain neutrality when it comes to our political opinions. If someone expresses an interest in voting, we present them with materials to inform them of all canidates running for a particular position. It is then their choice whether they decide to vote. I am sure there are many, many people out there in the Brainerd Lakes area that vote for a canidate based on much less information than we present to the individuals we support.
Say Ray...
Say Ray, so exploiting the intellectually challenged individuals into voting…whether influencing them into going to vote or illegally assisting them while at the polling place, is alright with you then?
Jeff
Oscar, I think what you do is fantastic!
Oscar, I think what you do is fantastic!
I cannot imagine anybody thinking otherwise because I’ve yet to hear anybody suggest any intellectually challenged people shouldn’t have the right to vote.
Thanks for sharing that information as I believe not many people are aware of what you do.
Do you know if what you do as far as providing the information and remaining politically neutral is commonplace among all group home facilities?
Jeff Czeczok
Still pondering Raymond.
I’m still pondering how Raymond knew what views Jensen had and how he knew they differed from an intellectually challenged individual.
some parent
Stene spoke to the board and was accompanied by his son. Stene said he now lives in Montana and only recently learned of the October voting incident. IT"S MARCH 10th!?!?!?
Really, Daddy? who called you insisting you come back and re-stir up this controversy? oh..let me guess........duh........
Some Daddy? I nominate ‘Snowda…
Here we have a father concerned with his son’s treatment related to voting in the last election based on the fact his son states he ”was made to vote” by the group home providing his cares for the past 15 years.
As troubling as this would be to any concerned parent, we are exposed to the likes of ‘Snowda when petty allegations are unearthed making references towards some kind of nefarious effort to fuel a concerned father’s fire related to his son’s exploitation.
I would like to make an official nomination of Minnesnowda to be next year’s recipient of the Crow Wing County Human Rights Award.
Never, has there been a more deserving candidate!
Jeff Czeczok
On second thought...
{“Never, has there been a more deserving candidate!”}
Well, maybe once there’s been a more deserving candidate.
http://brainerddispatch.com/news/2011-01-19/county-human-rights-award-go...
JVC
human rights?
maybe most people still believe that eligible voters should be allowed to vote, I would agree with that...
restricting voters rights is not Democracy or American.
‘Snowda was mentioned in reference to the Democratic Party…
‘Snowda was mentioned in reference to the Democratic Party…on another thread.
{barnet69 | 03/12/11 - 06:22 pm
Snowjob........ your criminal democratic union thugs have been threatening the republicans in Wi. for weeks with death and dissmemberment for them and their families. YOU believe that's OK? You need to be banned from posting one word on any public forum of any kind and if you are in any position in the real Democrat party they need to censure you and remove you. Prove to me that Sirhan was a Republican also.
Truth is something you were never taught!}
‘Snowda did indicate great knowledge of the Crow Wing County Human Rights Commission related to the history and functions of the commission under subsequent articles, but never once posted under the story related to this year’s winner of the award.
http://brainerddispatch.com/news/2011-01-19/county-human-rights-award-go...
(Check out the various functions the winner is involved in.)
With nearly 60 posts on the story related to this year’s recipient of the award, was I the only person who thought it peculiar ‘Snowda never posted on that thread?
I thought at the very least ‘Snowda would’ve congratulated this year’s winner.
Maybe ‘Snowda missed that particular story?
Or maybe, just maybe, ‘Snowda believes patting one’s own self on the back truly isn’t honorable nor appropriate.
Jeff Czeczok
you guys do not have a clue
and most of us can see what you are doing,
that is - trying to shut down anyone on this forum
that does not agree with your right wing craziness.
Also - isn't this an anonymous site? your need to try to
(you really do not know, you are truly guessing in the dark)
'out' anyone that threatens your insecure little selves is pathetic.
Please note that some of us do not post every freakin day,
so the lack of posts one day do not indicate anything. Geez.
Grow Up you play yard bully's.
Marsbar, you’re calling me a bully? You bring in politics too?
Marsbar, you’re calling me a bully? And you bring in politics too?
What the hell difference does it make which side of the political fence I’m on?
Look at what Minnesnowda says about a father whose only concern is for the rights of his son. How ‘Snowda degrades him as a father because in ‘Snowda’s mind he’s stirring up controversy.
What!? Stirring up controversy? The man is looking out for his kid and this is controversial?
The absolute last thing in the world this father wanted to do is learn his son was being exploited.
Do you have a fricken brain?
‘Snowda’s demoralizing comment towards that father’s attempts in protecting his son from exploitation deserve everything far worse than what me or, Barnet can say or do…ever!
No, we’re not bullies. We’re honest. I cannot speak for Barnet, but I’ve great difficulty with liars and the same, without a shred of courage.
Jeff Czeczok
Late hit, misssmith!
Sorry Misssmoth, you’ll never find one place where I’ve ever endorsed any of those you list.
Once again Mossmyth hits after the whistle.
15 minute major, for you...son.
Jeff -wink
On the other hand…
Myssmyth, move your clock ahead 2 hours tonight.
My rules say 15 minutes…it’s my game, remember?
Jeff
Thank you mosssmith
You can't dialogue with them and ask them to listen to an alternative viewpoint. There are a lot of people in this community that believe the tea party is pushing this voter fraud allegation so that they can ram through Voter ID and limit voting rights. MN has very little problem with voter fraud.
Snow's comment was "it's March 10th"
(and the dad just found out about Nov.2nd?) is a valid point.
Presenting a different point of view is not 'bullying.' Trying to 'out' an anonymous poster when you have no clue who they are is. It is intimidation. I do not see others on here trying to do that. Jeff, and that GG who was before him do that.
They also ID themselves and that is not expected, nor the policy here. That is their choice.
Perhaps more people would post on here if there were not so many playground bully's. Lots of good posters have disappeared.
Marsbar...
{".The tea party is pushing this voter fraud allegation so that they can ram through Voter ID and limit voting rights."}
Marsbar, I'll try again.the man's son was exploited. He learned of it more than 4 months after the fact. He tries to protect his son from exploitation and if it happened 4 days ago or 4 years ago, I say good for him.he's got my support!
So when he protects his son from exploitation, as any member of the CWC Human Rights Commission I hope would do, he get slammed by the 'Snowdas out there who believe he's got ulterior motives and they label him as "some father?" They question the quality of his parental responsibilities while accusing him of "stirring up more controversy."
You consider 'Snowda's point of 'it being so long ago since it happened as being a valid point.
Please, explain to me how the time factor lends validity to what this father is trying to do for his son as somehow vexatious?
If his son hadn't been exploited by the group home where he resides, there would be no controversy, end of story, period, done.
You avoid the issue by calling me a bully because I challenge 'Snowda's ethics.or lack there of any.
I post my name on these forums because in case you haven't realized it, I am kept in check by providing my identity and at the same time I will stand behind what I say here and I'll say it to your face, while people like Mess and 'Snowda say what they do because they are anonymous (they think) and have nothing keeping themselves in check.
People like 'Snowda and Mess would stand right next to me and never say a word to the likes of what they post here to my face. I will say the same on here as I would to your face.
If that makes me a bully, then you have a very weak argument going for you if that is all you are able to come up with to keep me from expressing my opinion.
Form an alliance with the likes of messy and then go back and review what messy's posts contain and how messy contributes nothing to these forums.
You'll soon realize messy does nothing but go after other's opinions with one line jabs and never do the likes of the mosssmith's out there contribute an opinion of any substance.
Marsbar, if you're going to talk the talk, then walk the walk or just shut-up.
Same goes for 'Snowda and Messsmethamphetamine.
Jeff Czeczok