Minnesota judge declines to punish raw milk farmer

WORTHINGTON, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota judge won’t punish a farmer for selling raw milk and violating terms of his probation.

Michael Hartmann pleaded guilty to selling unpasteurized milk in 2012 and was given probation. But he admitted in court that he continued to illegally sell raw milk.

Sibley County Assistant Attorney Don Lannoye prosecuted the case and is frustrated Hartmann won’t be penalized. Lannoye says it takes away all the meaning from the original plea agreement.

Minnesota Public Radio News reports state agriculture officials say other enforcement actions are pending against Hartmann, but declined to give specifics.

The Minnesota Department of Health in 2010 found that Hartmann’s raw milk products sickened more than a dozen people.