On Sunday, July 4, 2021, at 11:31 p.m., the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous complaint of an underage alcohol party located 3365 580th Avenue. After investigation into the complaint, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office charged Matthew Berte (20) of Whittemore, IA., Justin Buettner (18) of Emmetsburg, IA., Thomas Huckfelt (18) of Spencer, IA., Jerrit Westfall (18) of Ruthven, IA., Carter Hoffman (20) of Emmetsburg, IA., and Colten Moser (20) of Cylinder, IA. with possession of alcohol under the legal age. A 17 year old juvenile was also charged with possession of alcohol under the legal age and was referred to the juvenile court.
Assisting the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation was the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.