Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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A southern Minnesota dairy farmer accused of sickening more than a dozen people with raw milk products has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges.


State officials say Michael Hartmann's unpasteurized milk contained E. coli, campylobacter and cryptosporidium that caused the illnesses in 2010. Hartmann pleaded guilty Monday in Sibley County District Court to charges of selling raw milk and to selling food without a license.

As part of the plea bargain, prosecutors dropped charges against Hartmann's wife, brother and a business associate. Under the court settlement, Hartmann must bring his dairy operation into compliance with state law. 

"If he doesn't get into compliance what will happen at that point is then I will file a probation violation with court administration," said Assistant Sibley County Attorney Don Lannoye. "If he's found to not have gotten into compliance at that point he could likely be looking at some jail time."


A central Minnesota farmer, Alvin Schlangen faces raw milk charges in Stearns County even though a Hennepin County jury last month acquitted him in a separate raw milk case.

Gallery

Farmer faces charges over raw dairy

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Judge declines to hold raw dairy farmer in contempt

Bill would allow expanded sales of raw dairy products

Farmer in raw dairy case due for contempt of court hearing

Minn. lawmakers want to ease limits on raw milk sales

State wants dairy farmer Hartmann held in contempt

Judge rules farmer's raw milk products caused E. coli outbreak

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Farmer says state officials seized raw milk products

MDH: Raw dairy producer's product sickens 7 more

Health

Minnesota News

Greater Minnesota

Mark Steil

Author

A southern Minnesota dairy farmer accused of sickening more than a dozen people with raw milk products has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges.


Minn. farmer pled guilty to raw milk charges

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