Rochester Man Gets New Felony Conviction in Threat Case

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man with a long history of domestic violence has a new felony conviction.

Rochester Man Enters Plea in Felony Threat Case

According to Olmsted County court records, 42-year-old Lawrence James Hamilton entered into a plea agreement this week and admitted to a felony terroristic threats charge. In exchange, another felony count of illegal possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of a crime of violence was dismissed.

Rochester police vehicle — Andy Brownell - TSM Rochester

Police Responded to Reported Threat at Apartment Complex

Court records indicate the conviction stems from an incident that occurred in September of last year, when Rochester police responded to a reported threat at an apartment complex. The criminal complaint alleged that Hamilton brandished what was later determined to be a BB gun and threatened a juvenile boy and a woman.

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BB Gun and Ammunition Found During Search

The court document says police later executed a search warrant at Hamilton's residence and found a BB gun that was described as a "same-size replica of the Sig Sauer P365 handgun." Police also seized two boxes of 9 mm ammunition.

Hamilton Has Previous Domestic Violence Convictions

Minnesota court records show that Hamilton has five convictions for felony domestic assault and a conviction for 2nd-degree assault dating back to 2005.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on the terroristic threats conviction in November.

Items People Are Prohibited From Bringing Into The 2026 Minnesota State Fair

The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is nearly here, with the "Great Minnesota Get-Together" running Thursday, Aug. 27, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. If recent years are any indication, the fairgrounds are about to get very busy.

Last year's fair drew 1,940,869 people across its 12-day run — the fifth-highest attendance in the event's history — and it was once again voted the best state fair in America by USA Today readers.

Before you go, the list below is items that will not be allowed into any part of the fairgrounds, as well as additional items that, while they may be allowed into the fairgrounds, are forbidden in the Grandstand for the concerts and events.

Gallery Credit: David Drew