Olmsted County Worker Accused of Falsely Reporting Assault

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A veteran Olmsted County employee, who reported he was attacked last fall while working inside the Olmsted County Emergency Operations Center, has been charged with falsely reporting a crime.

The misdemeanor count was filed against 51-year-old Rick Freshwater on Tuesday. He was working alone last October 3rd when he told police and sheriff’s department investigators that he was attacked from behind by a person armed with a sharp object, who cut him and broke his glasses. None of the injuries were serious.

Officials noted the reported assault occurred while Freshwater was alone in a secure portion of the building. The complaint says investigators found a homemade weapon at the scene and the only DNA on it came from Freshwater.

He is scheduled to make his first court appearance next month.