MN Farmer Won’t Face Additional Punishment For Raw Milk Sales

WORTHINGTON, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota judge won't punish a farmer for selling raw milk and violating terms of his probation.

Michael Hartmann pleaded guilty to selling unpasteurized milk in 2012 and was given probation. But, he admitted in court that he continued to illegally sell raw milk.

Sibley County Assistant Attorney Don Lannoye prosecuted the case and is frustrated Hartmann won't be penalized. Lannoye says it takes away all the meaning from the original plea agreement.

The Minnesota Department of Health in 2010 found that Hartmann's raw milk products sickened more than a dozen people.