How alleged gunman in Juab County was able to leave police custody in Minnesota

May 20, 2021, 4:58 PM | Updated: Dec 30, 2022, 11:21 am

An American Fork man accused of gunning down his brother-in-law was in court on Thursday to see whe...

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

JUAB COUNTY – Investigators are trying to figure out how a man accused of shooting at Utah High Patrol troopers in Juab County arrived in Utah, even though he’s awaiting trial for a similar crime in Minnesota. 

Officials in Minnesota said they had no choice but to let him out of jail. Prosecutors in Hennepin County, Minn., charged James Klein with first-degree felony assault for allegedly firing a gun at police officers in a Walmart parking lot in March 2020.  They added another assault charge because he reportedly pointed a gun at a woman in an apparent attempt to steal her car to get away from those officers.

Despite the severity of those charges, prosecutors were reportedly not able to keep him in custody until his trial.  Hennepin County Attorney’s Office spokesman Chuck Laszewski said Minnesota state law prohibits a judge from outright denying bail for felony defendants.

“There’s no discretion.  We have to request bail and the judge, ultimately, sets the amount,” Laszewski said.

In the most extreme cases, such as murder charges, the judge is able to set bail at a very high amount, frequently $1 million.  But Laszewski said that wasn’t the case in this instance.

Klein bailed out.

“Later, when we asked for additional bail on a second case, the judge denied that.  So, he was able to stay out of jail, pending his trial,” he said.

Klein’s trial is set to begin Oct. 18, but legal analysts in Utah said the Juab County attorney doesn’t have to release Klein. 

Former prosecutor Kent Morgan, who is not connected with this case, said prosecutors can decide to keep Klein detained in Utah until his trial is finished.  

“The severity of the crime, of course, is one of the main considerations,” Morgan said.

Morgan added attorneys would have to consider how strong the evidence is in both alleged crimes.  If the chances of getting a conviction are higher in one state, Morgan believes it would be best to keep the defendant there.

“Assuming that everyone who is accused is going to be convicted is not a very wise thing to do in extradition decisions,” Morgan said.

Officials in Minnesota said they will work with the Juab County attorney to determine which path would be the best.

 

Related articles:

Authorities identify man in custody after manhunt shut down I-15 near Scipio

Man charged for shooting at police in Walmart parking lot

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

FILE - A police vehicle flashes its lights. (Getty)...

Michael Houck

Pedestrian killed after being hit by a vehicle, Santa Clara-Ivins police say

A woman was fatally hit by a vehicle Friday evening, Santa Clara-Ivins police say.

5 hours ago

This photo provided by the U.S. Coast Guard on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, shows a small commuter plane t...

Associated Press

Missing commuter plane found crashed on Alaska sea ice and all 10 aboard died, authorities say

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A small commuter plane that crashed in western Alaska on its way to the hub community of Nome was located Friday on sea ice, and all 10 people on board died, authorities said. The crash appeared to be one of the deadliest in the state in the last 25 years. Mike […]

6 hours ago

FILE: An eared grebe taken May 18, 2008. at least 15 thousand birds have died at the Great Salt Lak...

Kennedy Camarena and Diana Jones

Thousands of birds dead due to avian influenza at the Great Salt Lake

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources have reported at least 15 thousand birds have died at the Great Salt Lake due to avian influenza.

8 hours ago

Ice Castles lit in pink and blue shades like cotton candy...

Michael Houck

Ice Castles close early due to warm weather

A popular winter attraction in Utah is ending early because of the shorter-than-expected winter season.

10 hours ago

Nineteen states sued President Donald Trump on Friday to stop Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing ...

ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE, ASSOCIATED PRESS

19 states sue to stop DOGE from accessing Americans’ personal data

Nineteen states sued President Donald Trump on Friday to stop Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing records that contain personal data for millions of Americans.

10 hours ago

Utah flag flying in the wind. A Utah bill known as SB204 could make it harder for judges to block c...

Adam Small

Utah bill could make it harder for judges to block laws that appear unconstitutional

A bill known as SB204 could make it harder for a judge to block laws that appear unconstitutional.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

How alleged gunman in Juab County was able to leave police custody in Minnesota