Bert Hertzog challenges search warrant

A new court date has been set for Bert Hertzog of Winsted, following his appearance today (Wednesday) in Wright County court.

Hertzog’s attorney is asking to suppress a search warrant done of Hertzog’s home last June, where authorities found unauthorized vehicle inspection stickers, as well as a letter that informed Hertzog that his inspector certification was suspended — something that Hertzog said he was unaware of. An initial investigation done by the State Patrol showed Hertzog did 12 commercial vehicle inspections in 2006 and 2007. In each instance, Hertzog issued a vehicle inspection report to the owner and an inspection decal, according to a formal complaint.
The decal numbers issued with these 12 inspections were recorded and tracked. The decals appeared to be fake, because the actual decals were issued to other people by legitimate certified inspectors, according to the complaint.

As a result, there will be a contested hearing Monday, March 17. Hertzog is charged in Wright County with theft-by-swindle, aggravated forgery, and inspecting vehicles without certification.