Suspect charged in Taco John's late-night robbery

Suspect says he had two accomplices

By KURT NESBITT

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Criminal charges were filed Friday against a New Ulm man in connection with the late-night robbery of a fast food restaurant here Wednesday.

Police are still investigating the robbery, which was reported at Taco John's at 1301 S. Broadway at 9:59 p.m..

In that incident, an adult male suspect approached the restaurant's drive-up window, demanded money with a gun and left the scene with about $200 in cash, police said.

According to the criminal complaint, Justin Ronald Geiger, 18, 822 N. State, confessed his involvement in the robbery in an interview with police on Thursday.

Geiger, who is in custody at the Brown County Jail, is charged with armed robbery in Brown County District Court, a felony punishable by no more than 20 years in jail and a $35,00 fine.

Brown County Attorney James Olson said Friday that he has not filed any additional criminal charges because the case is still under investigation.

Geiger appeared in Brown County District Court Friday afternoon, where Judge John Rodenberg set two amounts of bail after attorneys had argued over bail recommendations.

Olson asked the court to accept the recommendations "because of the nature of the offense and the safety of community warrants it."

Defense attorney Robert Docherty argued that Geiger should be released from custody to his mother without bail because he is not likely to leave the New Ulm area, has no way of paying his bail even though he is looking for a job and was cooperative with police during a recent interview.

When asked by Rodenberg if he had anything to say to the court, Geiger quietly declined comment.

The judge determined that Geiger can pay $75,000 and not have to follow any conditions set by the court or pay $25,000 and, among other conditions, stay away from Taco John's, its employees and have no weapons in his possession.

To be released, Geiger must come up with 10 percent of the bail amount.

Police arrested Geiger on Thursday evening.

According to the criminal complaint, officers found footprints in the snow near Geiger's house that seemed to match those found near Taco John's. During the interview, Geiger allegedly stated that he drove the vehicle used in the crime and that he had two accomplices,

The complaint further states that the weapon involved was a BB gun and that Geiger bought two BB guns in Mankato the week before the robbery.

He received $20 for his part in the incident, the criminal complaint states.

Police are still offering a $500 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of all the people who are responsible for the Taco John's robbery on Wednesday.