Austin man pleads not guilty to attempting to break into liquor store
Published 8:21 am Wednesday, November 8, 2017
James Earl Fluckes, 40, of Austin pleaded not guilty to felony first-degree criminal damage to property on Monday in Mower County District Court. He was originally charged on Oct. 24.
According to the court complaint, officers responded to a report at 10:15 p.m. on Oct. 22 that someone was trying to break into Bell Liquor at 200 South Main St. The suspect, described as wearing a hoodie and sweat pants, was believed to be intoxicated.
The owner found the glass on the front door was smashed in several places and a tall metal ashtray was tipped over near the front door. The owner said the same window had been damaged earlier in the year and cost $1,157.95 to replace.
The complaint states officers located Fluckes, who was intoxicated, at the intersection of Second Street Southwest and Second Avenue Southwest. A witness identified him as the individual trying to break into Bell Liquor.
In Minnesota, felony-first degree criminal damage to property-value reduced over $1,000 carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
Fluckes’ pre-trial is scheduled for Feb. 9.