Turmoil in Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office Leads to Dismissal of Serious Drug Case

Exodus of prosecutors forces office to drop charges against 12-time convicted felon Cory Allen McKay

Feb. 25, 2026 at 11:23am

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Due to a wave of resignations and retirements of federal prosecutors in Minnesota, the U.S. Attorney's Office was forced to drop serious methamphetamine trafficking charges against 12-time convicted felon Cory Allen McKay. McKay, who has a long history of violent crimes, was scheduled to stand trial on charges that could have resulted in a 25-year sentence, but the case was abruptly dismissed when the lead prosecutor unexpectedly retired.

Why it matters

The turmoil in the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office, caused by prosecutors objecting to the Trump administration's directives, has led to a weakened office that is struggling to bring charges against some of the state's most serious offenders. This has allowed dangerous criminals like McKay to avoid accountability and potentially return to the community, raising public safety concerns.

The details

McKay, 47, was facing federal methamphetamine trafficking charges that stemmed from a 2024 incident where FedEx employees in Fargo, North Dakota discovered a package containing nearly 10 pounds of highly pure meth addressed to him. Investigators found text messages linking McKay to other suspected drug traffickers. McKay had a three-decade record of violent crime, including strangling a pregnant woman and firing a shotgun under a person's chin. Prosecutors argued he was too dangerous to be released before trial, but the case was ultimately dropped when the lead prosecutor unexpectedly retired.

  • In 2024, FedEx employees in Fargo, North Dakota discovered a package containing nearly 10 pounds of highly pure meth addressed to McKay.
  • In May 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging McKay with two methamphetamine distribution charges.
  • Last summer, a judge agreed that McKay was too dangerous to be released before trial, even to a substance abuse program.
  • In January 2026, the U.S. Attorney's Office noted that the lead prosecutor, Thomas Hollenhorst, was 'retiring unexpectedly' and asked for a delay in the trial.
  • Days later, the office dropped the case against McKay, leading to his immediate release on January 31, 2026.

The players

Cory Allen McKay

A 47-year-old man with a three-decade record of violent crime, including strangling a pregnant woman and firing a shotgun under a person's chin, who was facing federal methamphetamine trafficking charges that could have resulted in a 25-year sentence.

Thomas Hollenhorst

A longtime assistant U.S. Attorney who argued that McKay was too dangerous to be released before trial, but unexpectedly retired, leading to the dismissal of the case.

Daniel Rosen

The Trump appointee leading the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota.

Jean Brandl

The lawyer representing McKay, who was surprised by the abrupt dismissal of the case against her client.

Mark Empting

The Clay County Sheriff who said McKay would present 'a big public safety concern' if he returns to the community.

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What they’re saying

“This was completely surprising to me. While I haven't been able to reach him, I can guarantee you he's happy about it.”

— Jean Brandl, McKay's lawyer

“With everybody leaving there, it's presenting some challenges for everyone around the state.”

— Mark Empting, Clay County Sheriff

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow McKay to remain free on bail or order him to be taken back into custody.

The takeaway

The turmoil in the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office, caused by prosecutors objecting to the Trump administration's directives, has led to a weakened office that is struggling to hold dangerous criminals accountable. This case highlights the broader impact on public safety as experienced prosecutors leave and cases against repeat offenders are dismissed.