Otter Tail County MN Jail Custody List provides real-time public access to adult inmate records under Minnesota Statutes 13.82, 13.85, and 641.05. This official roster includes full legal names, booking numbers, dates of birth, gender, charge descriptions, bond amounts, projected release dates, and the specific statute for each offense. The list refreshes daily at 02:00 CT to reflect new bookings, releases, and court-ordered transfers. On December 7, 2023, the report showed 158 active bookings, including Angela Ann Anderson (booking 000000143089) charged with financial transaction card fraud under statute 609.821.2(1), with a $1,151 bond and release scheduled for December 9, 2023. The data is published in PDF format, allowing users to sort by name, charge type, or release date for research or legal purposes.
How the Otter Tail County Jail Custody List Works
The custody list operates as a transparent public record system managed by the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office. Each entry is verified against court filings and intake logs before publication. The system pulls data from the jail’s internal records management software and updates every 24 hours to ensure accuracy. Juvenile records are excluded entirely due to state privacy laws. Adult inmates appear on the list from the moment of booking until release or transfer. The list includes both pretrial detainees and sentenced individuals. All information is sourced directly from official court documents and arrest reports. No personal opinions or unverified claims are included. The goal is to offer factual, up-to-date details for families, attorneys, researchers, and media professionals.
Key Data Fields in the Custody List
- Booking Number: A unique identifier assigned at intake (e.g., 000000143089).
- Full Legal Name: Includes first, middle, and last name as recorded during booking.
- Date of Birth: Used to confirm identity and prevent confusion with similar names.
- Gender: Recorded as M, F, or other as self-identified during intake.
- Charge Description: Plain-language summary of the offense (e.g., “Financial Transaction Card Fraud”).
- Statute Code: Minnesota criminal code reference (e.g., 609.821.2(1)).
- Bond Amount: Dollar value set by a judge or bail schedule.
- Projected Release Date: Estimated based on sentence length or court schedule.
- Intake Date: The day the person was booked into the facility.
Where to Find the Latest Otter Tail County Jail Custody List
The most current version of the Otter Tail County MN Jail Custody List is available through the official county website. The primary source is the Sheriff’s Office public safety portal, which hosts a searchable online roster updated in real time. A daily PDF report is also generated and archived for public review. Third-party sites like InmateSearchMN.org and PrisonRoster.com aggregate this data but may lag behind official updates. For the most accurate and timely information, always refer to the county’s direct sources. The PDF report for December 7, 2023, logged 158 bookings and included detailed entries such as Joshua Gene Ard (booking 000000010198), charged under statute 609 with a $2,500 bond.
Official Online Roster Features
The Sheriff’s Office online roster allows users to search by booking number, full name, or date of birth. Filters help narrow results by offense category—such as drug crimes, property crimes, or violent offenses. Each profile displays a thumbnail photo taken during intake, bond status, upcoming court dates, and any disciplinary notes. The system is designed for ease of use by families, legal representatives, and journalists. Bilingual staff support callers in Hmong and Lao to ensure equitable access. The roster also links to court calendars and warrant databases for deeper research.
Understanding Minnesota Laws Governing Inmate Data
Minnesota Statutes 13.82, 13.85, and 641.05 form the legal foundation for releasing adult inmate information. These laws classify jail records as public data, meaning anyone can view or request them without justification. However, juvenile records are strictly confidential and never disclosed. The statutes also allow the Sheriff’s Office to redact or remove entries if a court orders confidentiality—such as in cases involving witness protection or ongoing investigations. The county must balance transparency with privacy rights. All data published on the custody list is reviewed for compliance before release. Misuse of the information—such as harassment or discrimination—is not protected under public record laws.
Why Juvenile Records Are Not Public
Juveniles are treated differently under Minnesota law to support rehabilitation and protect future opportunities. Their names, photos, and charges are not published on any public roster. Only authorized agencies—like courts, schools, or social services—can access these records. This policy aligns with national standards for youth justice. Even if a juvenile is charged as an adult, their identity remains shielded unless a judge orders otherwise. The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office follows this rule strictly to avoid legal penalties and uphold ethical standards.
How to Use the Custody List for Research or Legal Needs
Researchers, attorneys, and journalists rely on the Otter Tail County MN Jail Custody List for case tracking, background checks, and statistical analysis. The PDF format enables sorting by charge type, bond amount, or release date. For example, a reporter might analyze trends in financial fraud cases by filtering entries with statute 609.821. Attorneys use the list to verify client status or prepare for hearings. Families check the roster to confirm a loved one’s location and court schedule. The data can also support academic studies on local crime patterns. Always cross-reference with court records for full context, as the custody list only shows current status—not case outcomes.
Sample Use Case: Tracking a Specific Inmate
To locate Angela Ann Anderson (booking 000000143089), enter her name or booking number into the online search tool. The result shows her charge (financial transaction card fraud), bond ($1,151), and projected release (December 9, 2023). Clicking “view details” reveals her intake photo, court date, and whether she has filed an appeal. If the person is no longer listed, they may have been released, transferred, or had their record sealed. For confirmation, call the jail at (218) 998-8555 during business hours.
Visiting an Inmate at Otter Tail County Jail
Visiting hours at the Otter Tail County Detention Center are weekdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and weekends from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. All visitors must present a government-issued photo ID and be on the inmate’s approved visitor list. The inmate must add your name during intake or via the commissary system. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The facility is located at 416 South Mill Street, Fergus Falls, MN 56537. Parking is available on-site. No outside food, phones, or bags are allowed. Visits are non-contact and conducted through glass partitions. Sessions last 30 minutes and may be monitored for safety.
How to Get on an Inmate’s Visitor List
Only the inmate can approve visitors. During intake, they receive a form to list up to five names. Changes can be made by submitting a request through the commissary kiosk or by speaking with a correctional officer. Processing takes 24–48 hours. Once approved, your name appears in the jail’s visitor database. You do not need to pre-register online. Arrive 15 minutes early on your first visit to complete a brief background check. Repeat visitors may be fast-tracked.
Sending Money or Care Packages to an Inmate
The Otter Tail County Jail accepts debit or credit card payments for inmate accounts via a secure phone line at (218) 998-8556. Funds can be used for phone calls, commissary items (snacks, hygiene products), or bail deposits. Online deposits are not currently available. Cash or money orders can be mailed to the facility address, but personal checks are not accepted. Care packages are not permitted—all items must be purchased through the commissary. Each inmate receives a weekly allowance based on behavior. Unused funds are returned upon release.
Commissary Purchases and Limits
| Item Type | Example | Weekly Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Chips, candy, coffee | $30 |
| Hygiene | Toothpaste, soap, deodorant | $15 |
| Stationery | Pens, paper, envelopes | $10 |
| Clothing | Socks, underwear | $20 |
Contact Information and Staff Roles
Beth Carlson serves as Jail Administrator and oversees all detention operations. She handles policy questions, inmate welfare concerns, and media inquiries. The main office phone is (218) 998-8555, and dispatch can be reached at (218) 367-6300. Email requests should go through the protected address on the county website. Bilingual staff assist callers in Hmong and Lao. For legal documents or records requests, contact the records clerk directly. The media-relations office, located at 416 S. Mill St, Fergus Falls, processes mugshot requests and interview scheduling. All calls are logged for quality assurance.
Key Staff and Responsibilities
- Jail Administrator (Beth Carlson): Policy, oversight, public inquiries
- Records Clerk: Data requests, court documentation
- Intake Officer: Booking, visitor approvals, commissary
- Medical Staff: Health screenings, medication distribution
- Correctional Officers: Security, supervision, discipline
Crime Statistics and Local Trends in Otter Tail County
Otter Tail County reports lower-than-average violent crime rates compared to statewide data. In the most recent year, there were 40 violent crimes, resulting in a rate of 71 per 100,000 residents—a Z-score of -0.62, indicating below-average risk. Property crimes, however, have risen by 12% in early 2023, driven by theft and fraud cases. The Sheriff’s Office attributes this to economic pressures and increased online scams. The county spans 2,225 square miles, with 252 square miles of water, including lakes popular in summer months. Crime tends to spike during tourist season due to transient populations.
Top Offense Categories in 2023
- Theft (larceny, shoplifting)
- Drug possession (methamphetamine, cannabis)
- Financial fraud (card fraud, identity theft)
- Domestic assault
- DUI
How to Request a Mugshot or Official Statement
Journalists and researchers can request inmate mugshots through the media-relations office at 416 S. Mill St, Fergus Falls, MN 56537. Submit a written request via email or call (218) 998-8555 during business hours (8 AM–4 PM, Monday–Friday). Include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and purpose of use. Mugshots are typically provided within 48 hours. Official statements about policies or incidents require approval from the Sheriff’s Office. Unauthorized use of images may violate privacy laws. All requests are logged and reviewed for compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Otter Tail County Jail Custody List
People often ask how often the list updates, whether juveniles are included, and how to verify an inmate’s status. Others want to know about visitation rules, bond payment options, or how to file a grievance. Below are detailed answers to the most common questions based on official policies and recent data.
FAQ Section
Q: How often is the Otter Tail County MN Jail Custody List updated?
A: The list refreshes every day at 02:00 Central Time. This ensures all new bookings, releases, and transfers are captured. The online roster updates in real time, while the PDF report is generated once daily. For example, the December 7, 2023, report reflected 158 bookings as of 16:01 CST. Delays may occur during system maintenance or high-volume periods, but updates never exceed 24 hours. Always check the timestamp on the PDF to confirm freshness.
Q: Can I search the custody list by charge type or bond amount?
A: Yes. The online roster allows filtering by offense category—such as drug, property, or violent crimes—and sorting by bond amount or release date. The PDF version supports manual sorting in spreadsheet programs. For instance, users can isolate all entries with statute 609.821.2(1) to study financial fraud patterns. This feature aids attorneys, journalists, and researchers in analyzing trends. Filters do not affect data accuracy—they only change how results are displayed.
Q: Are juvenile inmates listed on the public roster?
A: No. Minnesota law prohibits the release of any information about juveniles in custody. Their names, photos, charges, and booking details are confidential. Only authorized agencies like courts or child protection services can access these records. Even if a juvenile is charged as an adult, their identity remains protected unless a judge orders disclosure. The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office enforces this rule strictly to comply with state statutes and ethical standards.
Q: How do I add money to an inmate’s account?
A: Call (218) 998-8556 and use a debit or credit card to deposit funds. The money goes into a trust account for phone calls, commissary purchases, or bail. Online payments are not available. Mailed cash or money orders are accepted but not recommended due to security risks. Personal checks are declined. Funds are accessible within one hour of payment. Unused balances are refunded upon release. Each inmate has a spending limit based on behavior and housing level.
Q: What happens if an inmate is transferred or released before the list updates?
A: The daily refresh at 02:00 CT captures most changes, but real-time transfers may not appear immediately. If someone is no longer on the roster, they may have been released, moved to another facility, or had their record sealed. For confirmation, call (218) 998-8555. Staff can verify status within minutes. Always use the most recent PDF or online search for accuracy. Delays of up to 24 hours are normal during weekends or holidays.
Q: Can I visit an inmate without being on the approved list?
A: No. Only individuals named by the inmate can visit. The inmate must submit your name during intake or via the commissary kiosk. Processing takes 24–48 hours. Walk-in visits are not allowed. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All visitors must show a government-issued photo ID. The jail does not accept digital IDs. Violating visitation rules may result in permanent bans.
Q: How do I report a concern about an inmate’s welfare?
A: Contact Jail Administrator Beth Carlson at (218) 998-8555 or email the protected address on the county website. Describe the issue clearly, including the inmate’s name, booking number, and nature of the concern (medical, safety, abuse). All reports are investigated within 24 hours. Anonymous tips are accepted but may limit follow-up. The facility has medical staff on duty 24/7 and follows strict protocols for inmate care.
Official Resources and Contact Details
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, use these official sources:
Website: https://ottertailcounty.gov/jail-in-custody-list/
Phone: (218) 998-8555
Address: 416 South Mill Street, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Visiting Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, Weekends 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Email: Use the secure form on the county website
PDF Report: https://web1.co.ottertail.mn.us/sheriff/report/custody%20list.rpt.pdf
