Two men have been charged with stealing more than $100,000 in cash from the beer and wine exhibit at this year’s Minnesota State Fair.
Jordan Strickland, 23, and Antonio Washington, 20, face charges of interfering with commerce and using a gun in a crime of violence in connection with the State Fair robbery.
According to police documents, Washington and Strickland entered the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild exhibit after closing time on Friday, August 29. Washington allegedly pointed a gun at an employee who was organizing the money from the registers while Strickland acted as a lookout. The pair forced the employee and another employee to sit in chairs, where they were then tied, taped and incapacitated. The thieves then made off with the day’s take – a hefty $104,000.
Washington was arrested a week later in Faribault after a search of his vehicle uncovered a revolver that matched the description of the gun used during the robbery. Strickland was arrested last week after police learned of his involvement. Both men face federal charges.
Third Man Arrested
A third man was also arrested for the crime, but he does not yet face charges.
Jarret Maiden, 35, was arrested after he told police officers that he, Washington, Strickland and another man met up at his house after the robbery to divide the cash. According to Maiden’s account, he helped set up the robbery and he enlisted Washington and Strickland to pull off the heist.
Maiden was released from custody and has yet to be charged in any capacity.
Check out this previous post for more information about crime at the Minnesota State Fair.
