The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office announced this week that a Perham man has been taken into custody in connection with a string of recent break-ins in the county. The individual has been booked on felony third-degree burglary and gross misdemeanor theft charges and remains jailed as the investigation moves forward.

The sheriff’s office had earlier appealed to local residents for assistance in the probe, asking anyone with information to come forward. The department reiterated that specific locations tied to the incidents were not disclosed in the public release, a measure often taken in active investigations to protect evidence and ongoing work. Investigators continue to encourage tips from the community and provided a contact line, 218‑998‑8555, for information.

Local law enforcement officials have framed the arrests as part of continuing efforts to address property crimes that can erode residents’ sense of safety. Third-degree burglary is a felony-level charge in Minnesota, and gross misdemeanor theft is a more serious misdemeanor category, signaling the county’s intent to pursue the matter through the criminal justice system. As is standard, charges are allegations and the accused is entitled to due process in court.

For residents of Perham and surrounding Otter Tail County communities, the arrests may bring a mix of relief and questions. Property crimes, particularly when they occur in clusters, can have outsized effects in smaller communities where people know one another and rely on mutual trust. Local businesses and homeowners who felt vulnerable during the period of incidents may now be watching court proceedings closely and evaluating their security measures.

Community leaders and law enforcement commonly emphasize prevention alongside enforcement. Improved exterior lighting, secure locks, visible house numbers, and neighborhood communication networks are measures that many find helpful. The sheriff’s office’s request for public tips underscores the role that residents often play in resolving such cases: eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage from home cameras or businesses, and timely reporting of suspicious activity can all aid investigations.

The county’s criminal justice system will determine next steps as prosecutors review the evidence and prepare any potential charges beyond the arrests already filed. Residents seeking updates are advised to follow official releases from the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office and local court records for the most accurate information.

Anyone with information related to these incidents is asked to contact the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 218‑998‑8555. Local authorities said they appreciate community cooperation as they work to ensure public safety and hold accountable those accused of disrupting neighborhood security.