Schoenborn

NEW ULM — A 54-year-old rural Winthrop man was arrested April 23 near New Ulm Medical Center (NUMC) after police noticed a particular sign among several messages on the outside of his vehicle.

A felony threats of violence and misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge were filed in Brown County District Court Monday against Ronald H. Schoenborn, 52895 330th Street, Winthrop. Bail without conditions was set at $100,000 ($10,000 with conditions) Monday. Conditions include no leaving Minnesota without written, court approval, no contact with victims, not entering New Ulm Medical Center except for a medical emergency, and no threats of violence. A court hearing was set for 9:30 a.m. May 4.

New Ulm Police were notified Friday that an individual identified as Schoenborn was sitting in his vehicle that had several messages outside of it concerning New Ulm Medical Center and at least one doctor employed there, according to court documents.

Of concern was a sign that read “500 reward for Dr. Randeep Dhami to be brought to me” and just below that “unharmed” was written. The sign appeared to be a plastic, poster style board with sticker style block letters.

Police were aware that Schoenborn had been parking near NUMC with various signs on his vehicle, regarding his perceived treatment by NUMC and at least one doctor at that facility.

Schoenborn’s truck was easily recognizable with several signs around it with similar writing regarding an ongoing dispute he has with NUMC, Allina Health, plus attorneys and law enforcement officers he has dealt with over the years regarding the dispute.

New Ulm Police Sgt. Charles Rasche saw the vehicle with the sign, parked, facing east on 5th North Street, just east of Garden Street. Rasche noticed Schoenborn sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle.

After talking to the Brown County Attorney, police were asked to arrest Schoenborn for making a threat of violence. Police arrested Schoenborn and transported him to the Brown County Law Enforcement Center and signed in as a hold for threats of violence.

Schoenborn’s vehicle was seized as evidence. Police found five $100 bills, the exact “reward” amount he offered for the kidnapping and false imprisonment of Dhami.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.