Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force

Commander Steve Soyka advises that on August 3rd, 2017, the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force conducted a search warrant at the address of 422 2nd Street South, Apt. # 1, in the City of Sauk Rapids. Investigators had received complaints and had information that the sales of controlled substances was occurring at this address. Investigators were able to observe activities consistent with drug sales and applied for a search warrant.
At the time of the search warrant, the resident was home and was identified as Joel Lovitz, 52 yo, of Sauk Rapids. A juvenile male was also present at the time of the warrant. During the search, investigators located methamphetamine in the house in plain view and in an unattached garage. Approximately 3 ounces of methamphetamine total was found.
Lovitz was placed under arrest and transported to the Benton County Jail to await court. He was charged with 1st degree possession of a controlled substance and child endangerment due to the child being present in the area of controlled substances. The juvenile male was released to the custody of relatives.
The task force was assisted by the Sauk Rapids Police Department. The Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force is comprised of officers from St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, and Little Falls Police Departments and deputies from Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Todd and Morrison County Sheriff Offices.