Woman Faces 18 Felony Counts In Church Burglaries
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (WCCO) -- A Grand Rapids, Minn. woman faces 18 felony counts for allegedly burglarizing a series of churches and a cabin over the span of six months last year.
According to the criminal complaint filed in Itasca County, 28-year-old Erin Lee Autio's string of crimes stretched from June 10, 2013 through Christmas Day of last year.
Investigators say Autio was behind approximately a dozen church robberies throughout Itasca County.
Among the items listed as stolen from churches in the area were laptop computers, musical instruments, a safe, a big-screen TV, an Xbox, tackle boxes, power tools, a snow blower, weed whackers, a table and chairs.
There was also significant property damage reported that was attributed to the break-ins.
The complaint says that Autio burglarized the churches and cabin along with Danny Edward Madsen, who was also charged in the cases.
Autio appeared in district court on Friday, where bail was set at $50,000 without conditions and $25,000 with conditions, including that she remain law abiding, keep contact with her attorney and have no contact with Madsen or any church in Itasca County except during services.
Autio's next court appearance was scheduled for Jan. 21.