Beltrami County Deputies investigating suspicious mail received by candidate for Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Council seat

TEN LAKES TOWNSHIP—On Monday, March 5, 2018, at approximately 5:30 PM the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of suspicious mail being received by Donald J. Finn, age 71 of Cass Lake, MN.

Finn reported that he opened the suspicious mail finding that it contained a threatening message and a powder substance. The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office along with members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and a Minnesota Chemical Assessment Team responded to the residence and took custody of the item.

Finn reported that he is a candidate for the Office of Secretary/Treasurer for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and felt that the suspicious mail was related to his candidacy.

The item was sent to the Minnesota Department of Health for analysis. Finn reported that neither he nor his family members reported and any ill effects from the substance.

The investigation continues with the assistance of the FBI, and Minnesota Department of Health.

Ernie Beitel, Chief Deputy Sheriff

Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office

613 Minnesota Ave. NW.

Bemidji, MN 56601

ernie.beitel@co.beltrami.mn.us