Sheriff's Office • 100 North Fifth Avenue West • Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 726-2340 • www.stlouiscountymn.gov
Gordon Ramsay
Sheriff
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 09/24/25
Media Contact: Sgt. Eric Sathers
(218) 336-4311
NERCC escape
On the evening of Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Northeast Regional Corrections Center staff reported inmate MICHAEL TODD HART, DOB 05/05/1985 had escaped custody from the facility (6102 Abrahamson Rd., Saginaw, MN).
HART is a white male, 5'10" tall, 169 lbs with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a yellow sweatshirt, grey T-shirt and blue pants. HART is believed to be heading North on foot from the facility toward the area of Independence. St. Louis County deputies are actively searching the area for him.
If anyone believes they see HART, please contact 911.
Additional information can be found on the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.
9-25-20205 09:40 Update on the NERCC escapee investigation:
Throughout the day on 09/24/25, St. Louis County 911 received multiple calls that the NERCC escapee, Michael Hart was seen in the area of Hwy. 8 and Hwy. 53. Extensive law enforcement resources were deployed, including four K9 tracking teams, a state patrol fixed wing aircraft, drones and many deputies and officers from assisting agencies. Ultimately, the suspect was not located. This was largely due to time delays between the original witness observation, their decision to call 911, deputies and law enforcement resources being properly deployed as updated information was received. It was made even more difficult due to the challenging heavily wooded and swampy terrain.
As of 09/25/25, the operation is moving from an active search to an ongoing investigation. It is believed that Hart will try to make his way back to the Iron Range, where he has many friends, family and other associates. Investigation to locate Hart and take him into custody is ongoing and will be coordinated with other agencies. During the investigation, two accomplices were identified and detained. One of the accomplices, Devone Shackelton has since been charged with aiding an offender and was lodged at the jail.
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