Crime & Safety

Oakdale Man Sentenced To 45 Days In Prison For Swiping SUV

Meng Vang, 28, was originally charged with theft and possession of a controlled substance but the latter charge was dismissed during sentencing.

An Oakdale man pleaded guilty to felony theft on Dec. 1 and was sentenced to 45 days in prison and five years' probation after police arrested him for taking his ex-wife's SUV without permission. 

According to a Washington County criminal complaint filed on Aug. 4: 

Meng Vang, 28, showed up at his ex-wife's home in the 6900 block of 10th Street in the early morning hours of Aug. 4 and began repeatedly ringing her buzzer and trying to make contact.

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The woman did not let him in the residence and immediately called Oakdale police to report "an unwanted guest." 

Upon their arrival police could not find Vang but did notice that his ex-wife's vehicle was missing. She then filed a stolen vehicle report. 

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Oakdale police located the vehicle on Hadley Ave and subsequently arrested the driver, who identified himself as Meng Vang. 

During a post-arrest search officers found two knives in Vang's pockets and a pipe he admitted using to smoke methamphetamine. 

The pipe field-tested positive for methamphetamine and Vang was transported to Washington County Jail. 

During a post-arrest interview Vang also admitted to owning a second key to the vehicle and using that key to take it without his ex-wife's permission.

Vang was originally charged with felony possession of a controlled substance in addition to theft but Dakota County Judge Mary Hannon dismissed the drug charge during sentencing.

Vang's sentence also included but was not limited to the following conditions:

  • Abide by any orders for protection;
  • Obtain cognitive skills evaluation and follow recommendations;
  • Complete mental health program including meeting with a mental health professional;
  • Complete chemical dependency evaluation/treatment;
  • No alcohol/controlled substance use until Dec. 1, 2016;
  • Submit to random testing;
  • No same or similar violations or convictions;
  • Supply DNA sample;
  • Pay $50 fine

 

 


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