Roseau Times-Region - Serving Roseau County for over 100 Years - The Official Roseau County Newspaper

On July 8, Tammy Merkins was appointed to fill out the remaining term of Becker County Attorney Gretchen Thilmony, who was appointed by Governor Mark Dayton to fill a Seventh Judicial District vacancy.

Earlier this week, Roseau County Attorney Karen Foss explained that Ms. Merkins or her office will be in charge of the prosecution of Roseau County Commissioner Roger Falk.

On April 22, 2014, Commissioner Falk was indicted on a gross misdemeanor charge of conflict of interest by a public official.

"That case will be held in Roseau County with Judge Jeff Remick presiding," said Foss, adding that Judge Remick is based in Crookston with the Ninth Judicial District.

"I know that they (the defense) had filed a change of venue to move the case to a different county," she said. "That was denied."

No court date has been set, according to Karen Foss, who explained that the maximum penalty for this offense is one year in prison and/or a $3,000 fine.

"He is being charged with a conflict of interest with the gravel he sold that was used by the county while a public official," she said, adding that he is alleged to have done that.

In a court of law, you are innocent until proven guilty.