Ex-Hennepin sheriff’s captain charged with stealing lab generator for ice fishing
A former Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office captain, Labatt, has been charged with felony theft after a complaint says he took a department-owned generator from the HCSO forensic lab, used it while ice fishing Feb. 1–28 and left it on the lake. The complaint and records say lab staff sent multiple unanswered emails about the missing unit, Labatt did not offer to replace it until after a new generator ($1,209), a gas can and two gallons of gas ($26.97) and $80 for AirTags were purchased, and that Labatt — who joined HCSO in 1989 and became forensic lab director in January 2021 — was separated from employment on April 30, 2025; the HCSO crime lab serves 35 local agencies plus state and federal partners.
📌 Key Facts
- A complaint alleges former Hennepin County Sheriff's Office captain Labatt took a forensic lab generator for a personal ice-fishing trip and used it on the lake Feb. 1–28, then left it on the lake without attempting to retrieve it or arranging recovery.
- HCSO staff sent multiple emails about the missing generator that went unanswered, and Labatt did not offer to replace it until after a new one was purchased.
- Itemized replacement and related costs reported were $1,209 for a new generator, $26.97 for a gas can plus two gallons of gas, and $80 to add AirTags (total $1,315.97).
- Labatt joined the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office in 1989, became the forensic lab director in January 2021, and was separated from employment on April 30, 2025.
- The HCSO crime lab serves 35 local agencies as well as the Minnesota State Patrol and federal agencies.
📰 Sources (2)
For ice fishing trip, onetime Hennepin sheriff’s captain allegedly stole comfort item from lab
New information:
- Complaint specifies the generator was used Feb. 1–28 for ice fishing and then left on the lake; Labatt did not attempt to retrieve it or arrange recovery.
- Itemized replacement and related costs: $1,209 for a new generator, $26.97 for a gas can plus 2 gallons of gas, and $80 to add AirTags.
- Sheriff’s Office staff sent multiple emails about the missing generator that went unanswered, and Labatt did not offer to replace it until after a new one was purchased.
- Career details: Labatt joined HCSO in 1989, became forensic lab director in Jan. 2021, and was separated from employment on April 30, 2025.
- Scope note: the HCSO crime lab serves 35 local agencies plus the State Patrol and federal agencies.