Overview
- Federal prosecutors unsealed a five-count indictment on Oct. 23 accusing Jonathan Weinhagen of wire fraud, mail fraud, attempted bank fraud and making a false statement on a loan application.
- Charging documents allege he created a sham company, Synergy Partners, under the alias “James Sullivan,” steered more than $100,000 in payments to it, and opened a chamber line of credit exceeding $125,000.
- The indictment says Weinhagen sought a $30,000 refund of unclaimed Crime Stoppers rewards tied to three 2021 child shootings, had the check sent to his home, and converted the funds for personal use.
- Weinhagen made his initial court appearance Thursday and was released on a $25,000 unsecured bond; he did not enter a plea and plans to retain attorney Joseph Dixon.
- The Minneapolis Regional Chamber says it is cooperating with the DOJ after an internal 2024 review uncovered financial gaps and prompted governance changes, and Weinhagen quit the Mounds View school board on Friday.