Ex-Minnesota County Commissioner Faces Federal Charge

ST. PAUL  (AP) -- A former Freeborn County commissioner who operated a real estate closing company is now charged in federal court with stealing about $1 million from escrow accounts.

Sixty-year-old Linda Kae Tuttle-Olson of Albert Lea is charged with one count of wire fraud.

Tuttle-Olson was charged last year in state court with racketeering and theft.

Federal prosecutors also allege that Tuttle-Olson, as president of Albert Lea Abstract, diverted client funds from escrow accounts for her own use.

Defense attorney Kevin O'C. Green of Mankato says he has worked out a plea agreement with the federal government and has worked out an agreement with state prosecutors. He says he's "trying to resolve this as best we can for my client and for the people who have been harmed."

Tuttle-Olson remains free on bond.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)