Lumberjack Days: Charging Decision Could Take Weeks, Maybe Longer

A charging decision in the investigation into Lumberjack Days organizer Dave Eckberg is still at least a couple of weeks away, Washington County Attorney Pete Orput said Monday morning.

Law enforcement officials had a “very productive” meeting on Friday and all agreed that there are some things that need to be addressed, Orput said.

“Our timeline is pushed out by a couple of weeks—perhaps even longer,” Orput told Stillwater Patch. “I appreciate the frustration—at least I feel it—but we’re going to do things right and thoroughly, hence a couple more weeks.

“This office has had repeated inquiries as to the status of the Eckberg investigation, both from the public and the media, Orput continued. “Each have expressed a level of frustration, which is shared by this office as well as many others in law enforcement.”

The Washington County Sheriff’s office continues to investigate this matter and expert forensic analysts have been secured to interpret the financial data that has been gathered by law enforcement, Orput said.

“This is a continuing process which, although frustrating, must take place if a proper and thorough white collar investigation and prosecution is to be completed.”

The county attorney’s office is reviewing allegations of fraud and felony theft after Stillwater police received numerous complaints, route: {:controller=>"articles", :action=>"show", :id=>"lumberjack-days-organizer-under-investigation-for-unpaid-bills"} --> of worthless checks have