Steele County Sheriff’s Race 2022

In an effort to keep our readers as informed as possible about the upcoming election and the choices they are offered, we are asking the candidates of several races to weigh in on the issues.

That includes the race for Steele County Sheriff. Incumbent Sheriff Lon Thiele is facing challenger Darrin Helget, who is currently a deputy sheriff for the SCSO.

Every week through Nov. 2, we will publish the answer to a weekly question, designed just for the sheriff candidates. There will be a word limit; the only editing we’ll do is if the answer is too long.

We sincerely hope this is beneficial to you, our reader, about the issues affecting Steele County, where the candidates stand and how they may address those concerns.

Here's this week's question:

According to CrimeGrade.org, Steele County's crime rate is lower than 93% of the average U.S. counties, earning it a "grade" of A+. While the exact numbers may be open for discussion, most would agree we live in a pretty safe county.

That being said, what is the number one crime-related issue that you plan to address first, if elected?

Answers were limited to 300 words.

Steele County Deputy Darrin Helget: I have mentioned it before: I believe drugs are the number one crime-related issue facing us. I say this because drugs factor into so many other crimes. Drugs are too frequently present during domestic disputes (recently assisted Owatonna PD and a meth pipe was removed from suspect). Various thefts, vehicle break-ins, burglaries and other “crimes of opportunities” are committed by drug users looking for quick cash. More violent crime frequently has roots in the drug scene and is present in our communities. Unfortunately, drugs are in our schools. 

There are several ways in which I plan to address the drug issue; in 2020, the Steele County Sheriff’s Office reimplemented a K9 unit after I addressed that as a primary need in 2018. Our dog is a single purpose dog trained in “scent,” one of the scent odors K9 Willow is trained in is certain narcotics. Our K9 can be better utilized for combating the drug issues in our communities. One of my primary goals is to train members of our agency in drug interdiction. Interstate 35 and Highway 14 are prime routes for drugs being transported into our state and ultimately distributed back to our communities. 

I would also look to partner with area K9 units and schools to not only find drugs in our schools, but as educational tools in the hopes of slowing down the upward trend of use and presence in the schools. 

The Steele County Sheriff’s Office is a member of the South Central Drug Investigation Unit (SCDIU) but has not had an agent assigned to SCDIU since 2010. There has been interest from Deputies on becoming task force members, but the opportunity was never given, it is time to get an agent from our office on the task force.

Steele County Sheriff Lon Thiele: As your Sheriff, I promise to maintain focus on meaningful community engagement. I’ll continue to address the drug and mental health issues. I’ll continue the implemented intelligence-based policing initiatives and crisis intervention training. I will also maintain the continued reduction in crime with increased patrols in the necessary areas.

The Minnesota Crime Reporting System is a yearly statistical report of offenses and clearances in Steele County. Every year, I analyze the report and address issues that could be a problem in our county.

The report consists of Part 1 and Part 2 crimes. Part 1 crimes are reported in terms of arrests. Part 2 crimes include, but are not limited to, some victimless crimes.

I am very proud to announce the Steele County crime rate has been reduced since I was first elected Sheriff in 2010. Although crime statistics have been reduced, property crimes remain at the top of the list.

I focus on two audiences. The potential victims and the offenders. As Sheriff, I position deputies in strategic locations where crime is occurring and target the nature of the problem.

There are ways of preventing numerous property crimes. If deputies are patrolling in a known concerned location and a homeowner leaves a garage door open the deputies will stop and notify the homeowner. The deputies will remind the resident about the importance of securing their belongings which could be beneficial.

I will stay tough on internet crimes against children, support the safety and security of our schools and continue to improve organizational transparency and accountability.

I will work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our children, neighbors, and Steele County communities. In addition, my commitment to you and involvement within our community will not waver. You can trust that I will put the needs of Steele County first.