Breaking News: Sheriff warns businesses about penalties for violating stay-at-home order

Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose is warning businesses that there are penalties for violating the governor’s stay-at-home order.
Rose said some people have already been cited around Minnesota for not abiding by the order. Violating the order carries a $1,000 fine. 
The sheriff says while his deputies have been busy and may not notice if you are working in violation of the order, he would be more concerned about competitors filing a complaint. “That frankly takes away a lot of our discretion,” Rose said. 
Violations of the order may be directed to 1-800-657-3504 or email at SAHviolations@state.mn.us. 
Business owners, managers and supervisors risk facing misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges with up to $1,000 to $3,000 fines, plus the risk of up to $25,000 in civil penalties from the state government, according to Rose. He added businesses also risk losing any state licensing required for the business. 
“If you are a business owner and you would like to contact the state and plead your case as to why you believe your business should be allowed to be exempt during this time period, you can email them at CriticalSectors@state.mn.us,” Rose said. 
The sheriff’s office has had some inquiries about the order and about the exempt business listing. The current list is available at mn.gov/…/critical-worker-definitions-ACC_tcm1045-42. 
“While we all may not agree with the order, we need to work together during this Stay at Home period to keep the numbers down and keep people healthy and safe so we can all go back to work,” Sheriff Rose said.