Turmoil in Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office Leads to Release of Repeat Offender

Staffing shortages and resignations due to Trump administration directives force prosecutors to drop high-profile drug trafficking case

Feb. 25, 2026 at 8:23am

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The federal prosecutor's office in Minnesota has been gutted by a wave of career officials resigning or retiring over objections to Trump administration directives. As a result, 12-time convicted felon Cory Allen McKay, who was facing 25 years in prison on methamphetamine trafficking charges, was released after the prosecutor on his case retired and the office abruptly dropped the case.

Why it matters

This case highlights the impact that the turmoil in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota is having on public safety, as experienced prosecutors resign or retire and the remaining staff is forced to drop or delay prosecutions of serious offenders. It raises concerns about the ability of the office to effectively target dangerous criminals, including violent felons, drug traffickers, and other high-priority cases.

The details

McKay, who has a three-decade record of violent crime, was scheduled to stand trial next month on methamphetamine trafficking charges that could have locked him up for 25 years. However, after the prosecutor on his case, Thomas Hollenhorst, retired unexpectedly, the office led by Trump appointee Daniel Rosen abruptly dropped the case, leading to McKay's immediate release. The office has been operating in crisis mode, bringing in prosecutors from other states, asking judges to delay hearings, and trying to make some cases go away through dismissals and plea agreements.

  • 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 to keep McKay jailed before trial, noting his history of violence and failure to appear in court.
  • In January 2026, the U.S. Attorney's Office noted that Hollenhorst was 'retiring unexpectedly' and asked for a delay in McKay's trial. Days later, the office dropped the case and McKay was released.

The players

Cory Allen McKay

A 47-year-old repeat offender with a three-decade record of violent crime, including convictions for aggravated assault, domestic assault by strangulation, and assault causing substantial bodily harm.

Thomas Hollenhorst

A longtime assistant U.S. Attorney who argued that McKay was too dangerous to be released before trial, but unexpectedly retired after 40 years with the Justice Department.

Daniel Rosen

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

Jean Brandl

McKay's lawyer, 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 area.

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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 or not to allow Cory Allen McKay to remain free on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the broader impact that the staffing crisis in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota is having on public safety, as experienced prosecutors resign or retire and the remaining staff is forced to drop or delay prosecutions of serious offenders like McKay. It raises concerns about the office's ability to effectively target dangerous criminals in the long term.