Van Ness violates probation, faces re-sentencing

Michael Van Ness, 1733 Laurel Ave., is currently in St. Croix County Jail awaiting re-sentencing after he violated conditions of his probation for the second time in three weeks.

Van Ness was on a home-monitoring device following his arrest June 24 for violating the absolute sobriety provision of his probation. Just a short time before that arrest, he was injured when he fell over Willow River Falls. Police suspected alcohol consumption contributed to that incident as well. He was one of 14 Hudson High School graduates who were convicted and placed on probation for criminal damage to property as a result of a vandalism spree in June 2007.

According to the police report, Van Ness was asked to blow into a “Sobrietor,” an alcohol-monitoring device in his home, that showed he had been drinking. Probation officials issued a warrant for his arrest and he was picked up by police.

According to Mike O’Keefe of the St. Croix County Probation Office, they have revoked his probation. Van Ness has waived his right to a hearing to review the revocation and instead will appear in front of Judge Scott Needham for re-sentencing, probably sometime in the next two weeks.

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