Charges: ‘Piles’ of stolen signs found in yard owned by state representative DFL candidate, wife

A man running for state office, as well as his wife, have been formally charged in Douglas County for their alleged roles in a case involving the theft of hundreds of yard signs for events, rentals and politicians.

Court filings show 53-year-old Judd Hoff of Alexandria, who is running to represent District 12B against Republican Mary Franson, has been charged with one count of aiding and abetting theft, as well as one count of receiving stolen property. His wife, 50-year-old Wendy Hoff, has been charged with one count of theft.

Both Judd and Wendy were charged by warrant on Friday, one day after Alexandria police said they recovered more than 240 yard signs that they said were stolen over the course of several months. As of Monday morning, Hoff was listed as a candidate for District 12B on the Secretary of State’s website.

According to the complaints, police were called on July 31 for a report of stolen signs for the Interlachen Bazaar, whose organizer said 11 total signs valued at $422 were missing. Police said they then found multiple sign thefts had been reported in the Alexandria area since July 10, including ones for Adams REMAX Realty and “No Parking” signs from a local business.