Eagan Man Accused of Breaking Mom's Bank

The Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting that an Eagan man is being accused of bilking his mother’s nest egg or more than $320,000 to fund a lavish lifestyle that included trips to golf resorts, spa sessions and limo rides as well as expensive phone sex charges and other activities.

Ward Allen Knutson, 46, was charged earlier this month in Hennepin County on swindling charges. Knutson faces up to 20 years in prison and $100,000 in fines if convicted on the felony charge, according to the report. Knutson’s mother, Doris Lavonne Knutson, lives in Richfield.

According to the report, authorities say Knutson also may face additional charges for allegedly stealing at least $65,000 from his incapacitated mother-in-law.

Family members told Richfield police that Knutson lives in Eagan and is married with four daughters. Knutson serves on the board of directors of the Eagan Wave youth soccer club, according to the report.

Knutson allegedly began overseeing his mother’s investments in 1999 and at one point it is reported that she had assets totaling between $3 million and $4million. Police records show she is currently “essentially broke”.

Since that time, police records show family members claim Ward Knutson stole more than $750,000 from his mother over an 11-year period.

The case is still under investigation. You can read the full Star Tribune report here. Eagan Patch will have more on this story as information becomes available.