A Frazee man made his first appearance on a felony charge in Becker County District Court Wednesday.
District Judge Waldemar Senyk set bond at $10,000 against Gary Merrill, 25, of 30397 U.S. Highway 10, for escape from custody. His next court appearance is Feb. 21.
According to the court complaint, Merrill allegedly failed to return to the Becker County Jail Feb. 2 after being on work release. Merrill was arrested Feb. 3, and allegedly had marijuana, methamphetamines and needles in his possession.
Merrill was serving a sentence for felony theft at the time of the Feb. 2 incident.
The new charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
