Itasca County Sheriff explains why prison escapee was released
Joe Dasovich
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Itasca County Sheriff Joe Dasovich has released a statement explaining the release of Michael Hart.
On January 21, Hart was released from the Itasca County Jail. Hart was the subject of a large manhunt when he walked away from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC) approximately four months prior.
The statement from Dasovich included the line, “Hart was released in accordance with the law.” That is because warrants for his arrest in St. Louis County had lapsed or “recalled”.
Hart called FOX 21 to tell us that he was released, but did not want to get into trouble for the paperwork mistake.
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FULL STATEMENT:
The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is issuing the following statement to clarify the circumstances surrounding the release of Michael Hart from custody.
Michael Hart escaped from the St. Louis County Northeast Regional Corrections (NERC) facility while facing multiple charges related to crimes against persons. While in St. Louis County custody, he incurred additional charges and was aware he faced a presumptive prison sentence.
After fleeing the NERC facility, Hart was located in Itasca County and taken into custody. He was held in the Itasca County Jail for 106 days, during which time he pled guilty to charges filed in Itasca County. Sentencing for those charges is scheduled for May 4th.
Following Hart’s guilty plea, the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office notified St. Louis County of his status. St. Louis County subsequently advised that Hart’s warrant had been quashed by a Judge in St. Louis County. Without a valid warrant or official hold from St. Louis County, Itasca County had no legal authority to continue holding Hart in custody.
Hart was released in accordance with the law.
This situation is the direct result of decisions made by St. Louis County Attorney’s Office. At all times, the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office acted appropriately, lawfully, and within its legal authority.
