DETROIT LAKES, Minn. -- A Jackson, Minn., man accused of attempting to scam Detroit Lakes businesses and residents to the tune of $2.3 million will undergo a psychological evaluation.
Becker County District Judge Thomas Schroeder approved the evaluation of Steven Anderson, 48, during a brief court hearing Monday in Detroit Lakes.
The evaluation will be done at the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center. It can take 21 to 60 days, according to Anderson's attorney, Simon George, Detroit Lakes.
Anderson is charged with five counts of felony aggravated forgery, and is being held on a $100,000 bond.
The charges stem from reported attempts by Anderson, acting under the alias Brian Larson, to purchase real estate and motor vehicles between July 27 and Aug. 6 in Detroit Lakes.
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Anderson was arrested Aug. 10 by Becker County sheriff's deputies after suspicions were raised about him by employees at the businesses.
Each charge against Anderson carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.
According to court documents, the combined retail value of the motor vehicles is $75,327, while the real estate worth is $2.26 million.
Anderson has an extensive criminal background dating back at least two decades. He has convictions in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Idaho.
Kjos is a writer for the Becker County Record and Detroit Lakes Tribune, which are Forum Communications Co. newspapers.
