Tag: Kelly Martinez

Judge Berates Albert Lea Bistro Owner: ‘You Just Wanted to Make Money During a Global Pandemic,’ Gives Her 90 Days, $1,000 Fine for Violating Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Indoor Service Ban

Hayley Feland

The owner of the Interchange Wine and Coffee Bistro began her 90-day jail sentence Thursday after a jury found her guilty of violating COVID-19 emergency orders from Democrat Gov. Timothy J.  “Tim” Walz at her Freeborn County District Court trial.

Melissa “Lisa” Hanson represented herself sui juris, while she was prosecuted by Albert Lea’s City Attorney Kelly Martinez on six of the nine misdemeanors charges against her.

All six of the counts were for willfully violating the governor’s November 2020 executive orders, which prohibited serving alcohol indoors.

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Opening Arguments Delivered in Criminal Trial of Minnesota Businesswoman Who Defied COVID Lockdown

Hayley Feland
exterior of a restaurant known as The Interchange

ALBERT LEA, Minnesota – The opening arguments were delivered in Melissa “Lisa” Hanson’s trial on Wednesday. Albert Lea City Attorney Kelly Martinez and Hanson, who is representing herself sui juris, made opening statements and Martinez introduced five of her witnesses.

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Jury Selection Finishes in Albert Lea Criminal Trial of Minnesota Small Business Owner Lisa Hanson

Hayley Feland

ALBERT LEA, Minnesota – The jury selection finished in the criminal trial of Melissa “Lisa” Hanson on Tuesday evening, after a full day of interviews. Hanson and the City Attorney Kelly Martinez chose six jurors to serve and two back up jurors.

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Prosecutor in Hanson Case Appears to Compare Violating Minnesota COVID Orders with BLM Riots, January 6 During Jury Selection

Hayley Feland

ALBERT LEA, Minnesota – The prosecutor, an Albert Lea city attorney, in the Melissa “Lisa” Hanson case appeared to compare Hanson’s alleged violation of COVID emergency orders with Black Lives Matter Riots and January 6 during the jury selection process.

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