Dakota County Attorney's Office

10/22/2026

Jack Joseph Ball, 25, of Lakeville, was sentenced to life in prison for the death of his sister, Bethany Ann Israel and her unborn child. As requested by the state, Ball was sentenced to two life sentences that will be served consecutively without the possibility of parole. Read more: https://dakotacountymn.gov/government/county-attorney/news-releases/lakeville-man-sentenced-to-life-in-prison

10/20/2026

Jack Joseph Ball, 25, of Lakeville, was found guilty of the murder of his sister, Bethany Ann Israel and her unborn child, Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena announced. The Honorable Bryce A.D. Ehrman issued the verdict, following a court trial in Dakota County District Court. Read more: https://dakotacountymn.gov/government/county-attorney/news-releases/lakeville-man-guilty-two-counts-first-degree-murder

10/19/2026

It’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Scams, phishing and identity theft can happen to anyone. Take steps to protect yourself:
• Use strong, unique passwords — use more than 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers and special characters.
• Turn on two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection.
• Think before you click. Don’t click on any suspicious links or open emails from unverified senders.
For more tips, visit: https://www.cisecurity.org/insights/blog/11-cyber-defense-tips-to-stay-secure-at-work-and-home

10/15/2026

Take action to stop junk mail. Reduce unwanted mail and prevent identify theft — opt out of pre-approved credit card offers, remove your name from unsolicited mail lists and more. To learn more, visit the Dakota County website: https://dakotacountymn.gov/residents/recycling-waste/reduce-waste

10/14/2026

Organizations like 360 Communities help victims of domestic violence — they offer emergency shelter for individuals and families, legal advice, support groups and more. All services are free and confidential. Call the 24/7 crisis hotline at (651) 452-7288. Learn more: https://360communities.org/domestic-sexual-violence-services/

10/13/2026

Our victim witness team at the Dakota County Attorney's Office helps all victims of crime. The work they do is vital — they explain court procedures, provide case updates, offer emotional support and connect people to community resources. To learn more about the important work they do, watch this video:

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

10/08/2026

Stay in the know. Sign up for our E-news service and receive information about the important work we do, delivered right to your email inbox. Learn more about services and programs offered by Dakota County, get updates about important cases and discover community events and activities. Sign up today on the Dakota County website at: https://dakotacountymn.gov/enews-subscribe

10/07/2026

The Dakota County Attorney’s Office is seeking a highly qualified attorney to serve as the Assistant Criminal Division Head. This role works closely with the Criminal Division Head on management and oversight of a dedicated and experienced team of professionals. Candidate must have at least five years of criminal trial and/or criminal appellate experience. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, retirement, paid holidays, flex time and more. Apply today: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/dakota?keywords=attorney

10/06/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence affects people in every community. By raising awareness, supporting survivors and connecting people to resources, we can help break the cycle.

Help is available in Dakota County and throughout Minnesota.
• Minnesota Day One Crisis Hotline: 1-866-223-1111 or text 612-399-9995
• 360 Communities: 651-452-7288
• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger

10/02/2026

Fall is here and the days are getting shorter. If you're out walking or running, make sure drivers can see you.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing.
• Carry a flashlight, wear a headlamp or use your phone's flashlight feature.
• Always use designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals. Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you.