Former Bar Owner Accused of Failing to Report Income for State Assistance

Issue #268

21 May

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

🌧️ Marshall, MN Weather - Light rain with a high of 48

🗞️ Law Enforcement Increases Patrols for Seat Belt Compliance

🗞️ Former Bar Owner Accused of Failing to Report Income for State Assistance

📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!

📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

Law Enforcement Increases Patrols for Seat Belt Compliance

police

Minnesota’s annual Click It or Ticket campaign began on May 19 and runs through June 1, with extra law enforcement patrols focused on encouraging seat belt and child safety seat use.

Led by the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the campaign supports the Toward Zero Deaths initiative, which aims to reduce traffic-related fatalities.

In 2024 alone, 106 of the state’s 476 traffic deaths involved individuals who were not wearing seat belts. Additionally, data from 2019 to 2024 shows that nearly one-third of children ages 0–9 involved in crashes were not properly restrained.

Under Minnesota law, both drivers and passengers can be cited for not wearing seat belts.

Recent updates to child passenger safety regulations also include specific age-based guidelines for car seats, booster seats, and back-seat requirements.

Former Bar Owner Accused of Failing to Report Income for State Assistance

law

A Marshall businessman faces multiple felony charges for allegedly failing to report income while receiving public medical assistance, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in overpayments.

Thomas Scott Pearcy, 55, was charged in Lyon County District Court with six felony counts of wrongfully obtaining assistance.

According to court filings from April, Pearcy is accused of underreporting his income on applications for medical assistance between 2019 and 2025, which allegedly led to approximately $92,000 in overpaid benefits.

Pearcy, a former owner of The Gambler bar in Marshall, was reportedly involved in other businesses after selling the bar in 2023.

Authorities allege he earned income through self-employment and rental properties and was connected to additional ventures, including a snow removal service and a development business in Balaton.

The investigation was initiated after Southwest Health and Human Services contacted the Marshall Police Department in March.

Officials claim Pearcy’s reported income on assistance renewal forms did not match tax records from the Minnesota Department of Revenue. He was also linked to multiple property purchases in Marshall between 2019 and 2023.

Court documents say Pearcy told investigators he believed medical assistance eligibility was based solely on W-2 income and that any omissions were unintentional.

He also said he thought his benefits had lapsed by the time authorities reached out.

Pearcy made a court appearance via Zoom on May 14. Bail was set at $93,000, which he posted. The amount is expected to be applied toward repayment of the alleged overpayments.

A follow-up hearing in the case is scheduled for June 10.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Sunday, June 1st
Sunday, June 1 - Wednesday, June 4

  • 2025 First Lutheran VBS in Marshall from 4:00-7:15pm (Snack and Supper Included)

Wednesday, June 4th (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jane Nelson Como (507) 829-1143

  • Ramsey Park Jamboree at Ramsey Park Campground Area in Redwood Falls from 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Thursday, June 5th

  • Makers Market in Granite Falls from 5-8 PM, with live music by Clark Machtemes

Saturday, June 7th
Thursday, June 12th
Friday, June 13th
Saturday, June 14th

  • Ribfest in Echo, MN at Echo Community Park

    • Rib meal will be ready ay 4:00 PM

Tuesday, June 17th

  • Walk for Memories – Dementia Awareness Event at Marshall Area YMCA from 4:00 to 7:00 PM

    • What to Wear: Purple, to show support for dementia awareness

    • Free to attend, no registration needed

    • First 200 attendees get a swag bag

    • Includes vendor booths, live music, giveaways, drawings, and food for purchase

    • T-shirts available for sale

    • Donations: Free-will donations accepted, benefiting the Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network (checks payable to A.C.E. of SW MN)

    • More Info: Visit the Facebook pages for Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network, Act on Alzheimer’s Marshall, or A.C.E. of SW MN – Lyon/Lincoln County

    • Contact: Jane Nelson Como at 507-829-1143 for questions.

Tuesday, June 17th - Thursday, June 19th

  • MADAN's Dementia Awareness Week Hosted by: Boulder Creek Assisted Living (Memory Care)

    • Event: Virtual Dementia Tours (by appointment only) from 11 AM - 3 PM

    • To Schedule: Call Jan at 507-929-1234

Thursday, June 19th - Saturday, June 21st
Special Community Events

  • SAIL: Stay Active & Independent For Life brought to you by A.C.E. of SW MN

    • a total of 24 classes every Tuesday and Thursday

    • from April 29 - July 17 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at the YMCA in Marshall

  • Vacation Bible School (VBS)

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Marshall’s & Southwest MN’s Best Kept Secret:
Is Your Business One of Them?

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