Community meeting about Level 3 predatory offender relocating to Lakewood Township

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office would like to inform the public of the release of a level 3 predatory offender. According to authorities, 56-year-old Michael Pero moved to the Lakewood township of Duluth.

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Corrections, will be hosting a community notification meeting concerning his release. The meeting will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Town Hall, 3110 Strand Road, Duluth, MN 55803. Representatives from the Sheriff’s Office and Dept. of Corrections will be available to provide the community with useful information on public safety.

According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, in 1996 Michael Elwin Pero engaged in attempted sexual contact against a man that he did not know. The report says Pero used friendliness and kindness to lure the victim into accepting a ride and at Pero’s home, the victim was beaten and bound resulting in his death, according to police.

Pero will be supervised by Arrowhead Regional Corrections agents. Community members will be notified when offenders who are designated as Level 3, change addresses.

Lakewood Township residents may call Sergeant Eric Sathers at 218-336-4311 with any questions.

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is releasing this information pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 244.052 and 253D. These statutes authorizes law enforcement agencies to inform the public of a public registrant’s release from prison or a secure treatment facility when the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office believes that the release of information will enhance public safety and protection.

Pero has served his sentence imposed on him by the court and is transitioning into the community. This notification is not intended to increase fear but rather raise awareness. Law enforcement believes that an informed public is a safer public.