Washington County Watchdog: Citizen oversight to the local government and post stories on local Child predators in Washington County, MN. A place where concerned citizens can get informed and inform others. We are not paid. We don't represent any political party. We keep all sides in check.
One person can't do this alone. Begin by informing yourself and joining the discussion on our facebook page.
Austin Keacher of Forest Lake has been charged with third degree rape of a 14 year old child. The criminal complaint states back in May the victim and her friends took their bicycles to a nearby lake to go fishing. They left from the home of the accused child rapist Austin Keacher who lives in Autumn Hills
photo of Austin Keacher from
his public facebook profile
apartments. The victim realized she forgot her phone back at the home of Keacher so the two of them went back together alone. They went into the garage and the victim had a medical condition that caused her to pass out. The mother of the victim stated in the report the condition was known(type of condition withheld to protect the identity of the victim). When she awoke she found Keacher touching her and grabbing her private areas. (If you'd like to stay informed on the latest sex offenders charged and convicted in Washington County please subscribe to get our free emails.)
Despite repeatedly telling him to stop Keacher was reported to have continued to force himself on her. The police estimated in the report he is six feet tall and weighs over 100 pounds more than the victim. The victims says in the criminal complaint he proceeded to rape the victim in the garage. When police officers spoke to him about the report Keacher admitted to having sex with the victim and that he knew days prior that she was only 14 years old.
Austin Keacher appears to have been released from Jail and into the public on September 12th. It can take a year or longer to get a conviction. In nearly every case the accused child
booking photo of
Austin Keacher
rapists get insane plea deals because of prosecutors. Plea deal or not, the convictions are weak because of the weak MN law and sentencing guidelines. No bill has passed to make sex offender law more tough in the last two years. It's vital that readers contact their legislators and ask why Representative Matt Grossell is the only legislator writing bills on this and why there are not nearly enough co-signed on the bills.
If Austin Kearcher is convicted of the charged crime, assuming he doesn't get a plea deal down to even lesser charges, he will get very little time in Jail and very little time on the sex offender registry. See some of the many cases in the last couple years of those convicted of the same charges or supposedly more harsh 1st or 2nd degree rape from Washington County:
To see dozens of examples in the last two years of insane plea deals from Washington County prosecutors and the weak MN sex offender law letting the public down see: http://wcwatchdog.com/local-sex-offender-articles/
In Minnesota, law makers and prosecutors believe child rapists can be "rehabilitated," do not need to be monitored, and can become good members of society. The evidence is the fact no bill has passed to make sex offender law more tough in the last two years. Also, Only several hundred of the over 20,000 convicted rapists in Minnesota are confined in prison. Most only do a couple years and then are released. More information here:
If you hope to see any law change, continue to contact law makers, especially Senator Warren Limmer who has refused to pass the sex offender bills in his key special committee in the Senate.
It's clear that just because a child rapist is charged or convicted, doesn't mean justice will be served after sentencing if convicted. Therefore, if the punishment for ALL criminal sexual conduct crimes is raised than weak charges and convictions will be stronger. With the raised bar there won't be a thing as an outrageous plea deal to lesser rape charges or a weak sentence. Tell legislators to also make the sex offender list public like nearly every other State in the Country does. All but MN, DC, and Maine have public lists. Maine only has 2,700 sex offenders in their state though. Compared to over 20,000 in MN.
609.344.1(b) Criminal Sex Conduct-3rd Degree-Victim 13-15 Actor >24m older
Arrest Location: 708 sw 12th st forest lake
Arrest Date Time: 5/15/2018 12:00:00 AM
Release Date Time: 9/12/2018 3:38:22 PM
*In no way do we wish harm to the convicted sex offenders outside the judgement of the law. Posting each criminal's public data anyone can get allows the public to decide from the evidence if they appreciate knowing such data. Such as what these sex offender's last known address is. No representation is made that the individuals listed here are currently on the state's offenders registry. All names presented here were gathered at a past date. Some persons listed might no longer be registered offenders and others might have been added. Some addresses or other data might no longer be current. Owners of Washington County Watchdog assume no responsibility (and expressly disclaim responsibility) for updating this site to keep information current or to ensure the accuracy or completeness of any posted information. All data was only accurate at the time of posting per Government sources provided. Accordingly, you should confirm the accuracy and completeness of all posted information before making any decision related to any data presented on this site. The information on this web site is made available solely to protect the public. Anyone who uses this information to commit a crime or to harass an offender or his or her family is subject to criminal prosecution and civil liability. Message us if you can verify us of an address or change in data. Washington County Watchdog is not responsible for the accuracy of the content shared, refer to our linked government sources.
(lawsuit data is listed below all of the background videos) In 2014 a Request For Proposal (RFP) was opened for bidding on the monopoly contract for residential garbage service in Forest Lake. Two bids were made by companies both headquartered in adjacent counties, SRC in Chisago County and Walters in Anoka County. After receiving bids rather than accept the lower bid the city choose to enter into negotiations only with SRC to see if they would reduce pricing, among other contractual language, to be in line with Walters lower bid. While both contracts varied in some relatively minor details the major difference after this exclusive negotiation left Walters at 15% less expensive than SRC. A split council at the time negotiated some details with SRC and ultimately signed an exclusive 5 year contract that ends in August of 2019. The contract included that SRC provide annual reports to city hall and they could be granted an increase based on CPI. Margaret Strand, owner of SRC, agreed and signed the contract. SRC has since been the only provider to residents of the area and online searches reveal quite a few complaints about the business. Many of those complaints, as well as those we've heard, circle around what many believe to be unethical billing practices. While it's impossible to obtain just how many people have complained to SRC over time, we have discovered that court records show at least 910 court cases, including 61 businesses, were filed by SRC / Forest Lake Sanitation / Town & Country Disposal towards residents and businesses in the Forest Lake region. Many of these cases were for amounts less than $75. We are unaware of any other business in the region that uses the court system to file lawsuits in the volume that SRC has weighed on the public and local business. Here's some history on the current contract: May 19, 2014: City Council Meeting - SRC Contract Agreement
(1 of 2 council discussion on 5.19.2014, 65 minutes)
(2 of 2 council discussion on 5.19.2014, 12 minutes)
A Walters representative spoke in open forum about the benefit in residential rates, annual washing of carts and transitioning fleet to natural gas fuel which was described to reduce decibel noise by 80% along with being more environmentally friendly. City benefits included city garbage services without charge along with rebating the city 50% of all recyclable profits. He promised to partner with the city in an open, cooperative and transparent manner. Marge Strand of SRC said they've been a service provider since 1985. She noted in this meeting they have no history of complaints from residents. Aaron Parrish, (now former) Forest Lake City Administrator presents (29 minutes) - Walters would also offer a less frequent service, every other week for low volume customers. 14% less expensive for small, 15% savings for residents for medium and 14% savings for large container services. He equated it to be equivalent to a 4% tax increase on the average home. He went on to present that SRC was unwilling to match a performance payment bond to address liability. Cart washing was not included in SRC contract but was in Walters. Walters would offer free service to city buildings, public works, parks be provided at no cost of trash and recycling service. 8-9,000 savings directly to city. He said that SRC would not negotiate with the city. SRC would not provide revenue sharing for recycling but Walters would. It was unknown how much this would generate. SRC would accept 100% of the risks and 100% of the rewards on recycling. Council members had various comments and concerns over a rather long discussion that included tabling the item to later in the meeting so that the administrator could step out and present later. Some key comments during the meeting included:
"Any information not provided that's required; then they would be in violation of contract." - Ben Winnick, then council member and current mayor.
It appears that SRC has not fulfilled the requirement with an annual report of what they are contractually obligated to provide to the city.
Susan Young, then council member and current mayoral candidate questioned if SRC had provided quarterly and yearly reporting and where that information is located. It was apparent in the discussion that these reports were not provided to the city. Subsequently Mayor Chris Johnson along with (then) council members Ben Winnick and Mike Freer voted no on accepting the Walters proposal.
Later in the meeting (1:40:00) a motion to reconsider contracts restarted discussion and following additional conversation a motion (1:52:00) passed on a 3-2 vote. It was to approve the SRC Refuse and Recycling Agreement provided the bond amount is increased to 500,000 the first year and then drops 375,000 the second year assuming no claims or liquidated damages and the contract is revised to include curbside collection. In addition, a signed contract needs to be delivered to city hall by 12:00 p.m. on (the following) Wednesday or the contract would be awarded to Walters. August 13, 2018: City Council Meeting - SRC Request
(full council discussion on 8.13.2018, 44 minutes)
Marge Strand requested, some might suggest demanded, that the city council allow SRC to increase the fees charged to residents on her monopoly services provided to residents. Her basis of the rate adjustment as a result of due to contractual
arrangements with their tipping fees, self-described 'crisis' with the
recycling market, and wants the CPI infiltrator that is in the current
contract. She claimed that neighboring communities had much greater
costs of service. (below is information this is false)
City of Forest Lake, 8.27.2018 City Council Meeting Agenda Packet
Marge Strand when questioned responded to the council, "It makes me angry you wouldn't support a Forest Lake business." Her business is located in neighboring Chisago County and with her history filing lawsuits on at least 61 local businesses her business support is questionable.
City of Forest Lake, 8.27.2018 City Council Meeting Agenda Packet
Organized collection has Forest Lake in the middle of the pack when compared to other nearby cities and with the rate increase it would be pennies from the most expensive and nearly twice the cost to residents than White Bear Lake.
"You have no complaints, except from the people that don't pay their bill." - Marge She then added that she'd like an extension (on the contract) too.
"I know you don't know my business but we are fair, we are dependable,
we are courteous, we serve this community in many volunteer ways." - Marge
Marge ignores the fact she's been allowed to charge 15% more than the market rate and rather complained that "a measly $3/month savings in the (existing) contract" referencing the cost reduction following the 2014 RFP process and subsequent negotiations.
Mayor Ben Winnick, similar in fashion to his words in 2014, repeated several times during the meeting that he had "never received a complaint about SRC."
Marge then went on to use the overused phrase, "We're talking about a cup of coffee a month." She then furiously responded to a question from council member and mayoral candidate, Ed Eigner.
SRC's business office manager said that another hauler has recently filed a lawsuit against the state of Indiana over recycling. There was no apparent reason other than leading us to believe they'd do the same. The SRC owner then came back saying they tell new customers recycling is options and she doesn't care if they just tossed all the recyclables into the garbage.
Council discussion ended without a motion as the topic was a discussion item only on the agenda due to SRC not providing information in time for meeting notification. August 27, 2018 City Council Meeting - SRC Request Follow-up
(full council discussion on 8.27.2018, 58 minutes)
The interim city administrator gave a presentation and gave council background and answered council questions. It was followed with SRC Marge again requesting an increase in rates. This portion of the meeting was rather uneventful until council interaction / questions to SRC started.
Council then began debate and each member in attendance gave insight with their opinion. Mayor Ben Winnick was absent. Council member and mayoral candidate, Mara Bain, questioned information in the council packet as it didn't appear to reconcile as it was being presented. She further suggested that the council go out for a RFP and make a determination of what the market will support. Council member and mayoral candidate, Sam Husnik, said that he could see a need to give them an increase. Council member Blaine Backus suggests that giving a 28% increase is unacceptable without shopping around. Council member and mayoral candidate, Ed Eigner, notes that her business plan isn't sufficient and that's not the fault of the city.
Marge says "We haven't had any complaints." Mara Bain responded that she has been inundated with complaints. Marge then had her staff member come up to discuss their archaic payment system. She then went on a rant.
Mara then questioned why city staff is completing the analysis and Marge blows up at the council. Mara then questioned when the last annual report was submitted. Marge appeared to not be aware of what the annual report even is. City staff responds they have not received it.
Marge blows up at Blaine Backus for asking for an annual report!
Marge accused city staff of wrongdoing, then argues with council members and staff.
SRC / Forest Lake Sanitation / Town & Country Disposal Lawsuit Information Here is a list of lawsuits that SRC has filed under SRC, Forest Lake Sanitation or Town & Country Disposal. Those highlighted in orange are businesses. There is a total of 910 lawsuits on the list, 471 were filed in Washington County and 61 are businesses. We have reason to believe that this list is not comprehensive of all cases filed and have listed only those we were able to search for online. One might wonder where these lawsuits are coming from and we've heard from numerous people that it may be a result of excessive fees, particularly those around late charges. It turns out that if you make a payment to SRC for your bill an email will be sent confirming payment has been received and processed, however they don't post the payment until 10 days later - a time that is after they've then added on a late fee to the bill.
It seems that SRC is taking advantage of a vast number of people and according to many online complaints it's apparently a more prevalent issue with their companies. Google Reviews has Forest Lake Sanitation at 2.2 stars on a scale that goes between 1 and 5. The owner said she's never received a complaint, so it's interesting to see that she responds to some of those reviews online.
Running a billing system as archaic as it appears they are is one thing, to charge customers that have no other choice in service a late fee as a result, then have poor customer service when questioned about it and apparently file lawsuits for those that choose to not agree to pay - it's wrong. Final Thoughts Marge said in the meeting that the $5/month ($60/year) increase amounts to a cup of coffee but our calculations find it's approximately a $300,000 increase for the next year to customers. Over the course of a 5 year contract, this amounts to $1,500,000. Forest Lake is currently undergoing budget discussions and looking at the current plans this is the equivalent to:
Nearly the entire 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 capital budget for the fire department including 3 fire engine replacements, a tender, command vehicle and UTV.
The entire 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 capital budget for the police department with approximately a half million dollars left to spare.
Covers the City Center Complex (city hall, police, fire, administration...) building bonds for a year with cash to spare.
Covers the YMCA bonds for almost 3 years.
It's a lot of money and it's a lot more than just a cup of coffee. In the instance of a monopoly service contract, it's akin to a tax - one that in this case the public isn't getting a benefit from. SRC isn't the best fiscal option, isn't forthcoming in the bidding/negotiations, is hostile with council members, has sketchy billing practices, when customers complain they respond poorly and they often file lawsuits against customers - both residents and businesses and now they want to back out of an agreement and add $300,000 / year more in revenue above and beyond the special 15% premium they got over market rate pricing. Simply put, it's a bunch of garbage. Forest Lake's next scheduled city council meeting is on September 10th at 7pm. The agenda for that meeting has not yet been determined and we may not know if SRC will be on it until days before.
Nicholas Scott Nehring of Forest Lake looks like an average clean cut guy. His last known address is a nice home at 21122 Clydesdale Curve S. Forest Lake, MN 55025, a stone's throw from the Forest Lake Public schools. He doesn't appear to be the image of a sex offender which in many of our minds is a disgusting unkempt middle age man. The scary fact is Nick is a convicted sex offender it appears. Even more disturbing is the fact most of the child predators in Washington County look like average looking people and there's hundreds of them in the County. According to a 2012 Patch.com article there were 280 sex offenders in the County.
We covered Nick Nehring in February 2017 when he was charged with only Sexual Communication with a minor 609.352.2a(3). A charge so weak he wouldn't have served any jail time or had to register as a sex offender. We added him to the list of public data at WCwatchdog.com, a list of dozens of charged and convicted sex offenders in the County.
When the 2017 legislative session was ending in May and we saw the crime he was charged with and the sentencing guidelines for the crime were not going to change we covered Nehring again as one of the 10 examples in: Rampant Sex Crime on Children, in Just 2yrs, 10 Cases From County Alone, 8 Simple Laws to Update. We stated his charges were weak and the law was even more weak for punishing Sexual Communication with a minor.
Perhaps something clicked in the minds of the Washington County Prosecutors because when details of Nehring's conviction came out this month we found the charges had changed to Criminal Sex Conduct-3rd Degree-Victim 13-15 Actor >24m older Statute 609.344.1(b). The facts of the case didn't change. The Criminal Complaint describes the parents of a 13 year old child found sexual communication with Nick Nehring on the child's phone. Forest Lake police investigated and found child porn of the victim and evidence of efforts online to find other child victims through dating sites. When police interviewed him under Miranda rights “He admitted that he communicated electronically with a female he knew was thirteen years old.”
So what changed the minds of the Washington County Prosecutors to up the charges? The county did not respond to question; but it's most likely due to concerned citizens speaking up and saying enough is enough. According to Kare11's article on how the sex offender bills were shut down last session, the County Attorneys Association in MN is one of the biggest opponents. The organization opposed stiffer sex offender laws stating the weak laws and charges "are valuable tools." Leading one to easily conclude County Attorneys generally like weak sex offender laws because it is easier to get a plea deal and avoid costly trial.
One can not completely fault County Prosecutors for making plea deals to avoid a trial that could result in a not-guilty finding. The County board gives them a small budget with the task they are expected to carry out prosecuting several thousand cases from petty theft to murder. The State also doesn't do the County Attorney's office any help by issuing more responsibilities on their office. We explain in more detail of this dilemma in this article:
Progress is slow to improve MN sex offender laws. It's good to see some good news that Nick Nehring was convicted of his updated charge of 3rd degree Criminal sexual conduct. It appears he will have 15 years of probation with a conditional 180 days in Jail if he violates probation. He will have to register as a sex offender for the current massively weak maximum of 10 years. Please contact our County legislators below to have them fix these laws. Here are our suggestions based on evidence from other states: bill ideas for legislators
We encourage you to contact your legislators to fix the law; but most important is providing help to the local victims. Many groups are out there doing great work across the State. At WCW our focus is local, sharing Washington County related stories to emphasize the reality that sex crime is too common here. But our work doesn't help the shattered victims. So we highly recommend helping local victims through a local group called EmpowerSurvivors. They are a peer led 501(c3) non-profit group for those affected by sexual abuse. One of the many ways they help is by holding free weekly meetings in Stillwater as a safe place. They also host free and private online support on their website and blog. The founder, Elizabeth Sullivan, is a survivor of child sexual abuse and has devoted her life to helping victims here in the Washington County area. Every cent donated goes to their mission of "survivors helping survivors." Their new location in downtown Stillwater could use office supplies such as a printer, pens, paper and more. Of course any donation amount helps. You can also use Paypal for a one time gift.
While the public can find hope and security if laws and sentencing guidelines can improve; the victims of sex crime in Washington County are left shattered by the crime even if the offender is punished to the fullest extent of the law. Contact elected officials; but also consider the important step of supporting victims. Please consider donating to EmpowerSurvivors here in Washington County. Find out more at www.EmpowerSurvivors.net
*In no way do we wish harm to the convicted sex offenders outside the judgement of the law. Posting each criminal's data allows the public to decide from the evidence if they appreciate knowing such data. Such as what these sex offender's last known address is. No representation is made that the individuals listed here are currently on the state's offenders registry. All names presented here were gathered at a past date. Some persons listed might no longer be registered offenders and others might have been added. Some addresses or other data might no longer be current. Owners of Washington County Watchdog assume no responsibility (and expressly disclaim responsibility) for updating this site to keep information current or to ensure the accuracy or completeness of any posted information. All data was only accurate at the time of posting per Government sources provided. Accordingly, you should confirm the accuracy and completeness of all posted information before making any decision related to any data presented on this site. The information on this web site is made available solely to protect the public. Anyone who uses this information to commit a crime or to harass an offender or his or her family is subject to criminal prosecution and civil liability. Message us if you can verify us of an address or change in data. Washington County Watchdog is not responsible for the accuracy of the content shared, refer to our linked government sources.
