Wayzata couple found guilty in theft-by-swindle case

A Hennepin County jury has found a Wayzata couple guilty of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in a theft-by-swindle scheme.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman says the jury reached its verdict against Philip and Virginia Carlson Wednesday after five hours of deliberation. The Carlsons were contractors who stole money from an office development project that was never finished, he said. The couple bought themselves expensive cars and snowmobiles, instead of paying subcontractors who did the work on the building.

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office will seek prison sentences of around four years for the Carlsons. Sentencing is scheduled for October.

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.