State home for high-risk offenders riles Mankato officials

A published report says state officials set up a rental home in Mankato to house high-risk offenders, and that neither the city nor neighbors were informed until the deal was done.

The Free Press reports (http://bit.ly/1wivuif ) the 98-year-old three-bedroom house was set up specifically as a residence for multiple convicted felons.

City officials tell the newspaper they believe the pawnshop owner who owns the home violated Mankato ordinances. And they say they believe the Department of Corrections acted in bad faith.

State corrections officials say the fears of the city and neighbors are misplaced. Deputy Corrections Commissioner Ron Solheid says they need to find housing for inmates who don't have places to go, or they'll become homeless.

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