Notorious Inmates Of Minnesota’s Only Maximum Security Prison

I didn't realize that Minnesota's only level 5 maximum security prison had so many notable inmates over the years. It includes a list of murders and serial killers. No one has ever escaped from this facility - yet.

Did you know there are 10 locations for adult correctional facilities in Minnesota?

I had no idea that Minnesota had so many correctional facilities. There are actually four different levels of prison security in the state.

Minimum classification:

• Stillwater
• Lino Lakes
• Faribault
• Togo
• Willow River
• Red Wing

Medium classification:

• Lino Lakes
• Moose Lake
• Faribault

Close Classification:

• Rush City
• St. Cloud
• Stillwater

Minnesota's only maximum classification is Oak Park Heights

Oak Park Heights is located in Stillwater, Minnesota, and houses the most dangerous criminals not only in Minnesota but also from other states as well. There have been some high-profile inmates housed here at the level 5 maximum security facility.

Donald Blom - convicted murder of Katie Poirier

Donald Blom died while serving his life sentence last year at the prison. He was convicted of the murder of Katie Poirier in 1999. He also was suspected of other killings as well.

Michael John Anderson - convicted of murdering babysitter

Michael John Anderson is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted of the 2007 murder of Katherine Ann Olson. She responded to a Craiglist ad for babysitting and went to his house.

Read More: You Shouldn't Be Mailing Checks Anymore In Minnesota

Byron David Smith - Convicted Of Double Homicide

Smith was convicted of the 2012 murders of Haile Kifer and Nicholas Brady. It happened in Little Falls, Minnesota. He had been burglarized at least half a dozen times over the preceding months. The jury decided he showed premeditation as he was lying in wait to shoot them execution-style.

Anthony John Sawina

Anthony John Sawin shot at five Somali Americans after leaving a bar in 2016. He wounded two of them. He was convicted of the hate crime and sentenced to 39 years in prison.

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Former inmate - Derek Chauvin

Derek Chauvin was convicted in the murder of George Floyd. He spent most of his time in solitary confinement at the Oak Park Heights prison and under constant watch for fears for his safety. He was transferred to FCI Tuscon, Arizona prison in 2022.

No Inmate Has Ever Escaped

The level five maximum security prison has never had an escapee, and only one homicide has occurred within the prison.