Violent Offender Walks Free as Minnesota Prosecutor's Office Gutted by Departures

Turmoil at the Justice Department leads to dismissal of cases against dangerous criminals

Feb. 25, 2026 at 4:55pm

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A 12-time convicted felon with a history of violent crimes, including strangling a pregnant woman, was set free after the federal prosecutor on his case retired amid a wave of departures from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota. The office has been gutted by career officials resigning or retiring over objections to Trump administration directives, leaving remaining prosecutors overwhelmed and unable to bring charges against some of the state's most serious offenders.

Why it matters

This case highlights the broader impact of the turmoil at the Justice Department, where political interference and clashes with career prosecutors have led to a weakened U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota that is struggling to hold dangerous criminals accountable. The dismissal of high-profile cases raises concerns about public safety and the ability of the federal justice system to function effectively.

The details

Cory Allen McKay, a 47-year-old with 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, the prosecutor on his case, Thomas Hollenhorst, retired unexpectedly, leading the office to drop the charges and order McKay's immediate release. McKay has at least 12 prior felony convictions, including for aggravated assault, domestic assault by strangulation, and assault causing substantial bodily harm.

  • 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 with prosecutors 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 Hollenhorst was 'retiring unexpectedly' and asked for a delay in McKay's trial. Days later, the office dropped the case and McKay was released from jail.

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 methamphetamine trafficking charges that could have locked him up for 25 years.

Thomas Hollenhorst

A longtime assistant U.S. Attorney who argued that McKay was too dangerous to be released before trial, even to a substance abuse program, due to his history of violence.

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 area.

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What they’re saying

“This was completely surprising to me.”

— 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 of the turmoil at the Justice Department, where political interference and clashes with career prosecutors have led to a weakened U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota that is struggling to hold dangerous criminals accountable, putting public safety at risk.