## How To Search for Inmate Records in St. Eele County in 2026
[StEeleRecords.us](https://StEeleRecords.us) provides publicly available data and information related to inmate records in St. Eele County, including booking records, custody status, charges, bond information, and warrant details. Members of the public may find records pertaining to current detainees, recently released individuals, arrest warrants, court dates, and facility assignments. The information presented reflects data sourced from official government repositories and is intended for informational purposes only.
Records may be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by the Steele County Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
### 1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The [Steele County Sheriff's Office inmate roster](https://www.co.steele.mn.us/Sheriff/Inmate_Roster.pdf) is the primary official resource for locating individuals currently held at the Steele County Detention Center. Members of the public may access the roster by navigating to the Sheriff's Office website and downloading the current inmate roster in PDF format. The roster is organized by inmate name and includes the following information:
- Full legal name
- Booking date and booking agency
- Charges and case numbers
- Hold status and warrant information
- Bond amounts and bond type
- Custody status and facility location
The roster is updated on a regular basis; however, recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the published document. Members of the public searching for a specific individual are advised to use the full legal name and, where available, the date of birth to narrow results. Booking numbers, when known, provide the most precise search results.
### 2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search
For individuals who have been transferred from county custody to a state correctional facility following conviction and sentencing, the [Minnesota Department of Corrections offender locator](https://coms.doc.state.mn.us/publicviewer/) provides a searchable database of individuals currently incarcerated in state prison facilities. Members of the public may search by name or offender identification number. The state DOC database includes:
- Current facility assignment
- Offense and conviction information
- Projected release date
- Supervision status
The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant: the Steele County Detention Center houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving shorter sentences, while the Minnesota Department of Corrections assumes custody of individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year. Transfer from county to state custody occurs within a period of weeks following sentencing, depending on bed availability and administrative processing. The [Minnesota Department of Corrections](https://mn.gov/doc/) also maintains resources for families and visitors seeking to [search for individuals and fugitives](https://mn.gov/doc/family-visitor/search-individuals-fugitives/) statewide.
### 3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
For individuals charged with federal offenses and held in federal custody, the [Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator](https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/) provides a searchable national database. This resource is applicable when an individual has been arrested by a federal agency, charged in federal court, or transferred to federal custody. The locator returns current facility assignment, projected release date, and offense information.
**Phone Search:**
Members of the public may contact the Steele County Detention Center directly at (507) 444-7700 to inquire about an individual's custody status. Staff are available to provide basic booking information, including whether an individual is currently in custody and the charges on file. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available to facilitate the inquiry.
**In-Person Inquiry:**
Members of the public may appear in person at the Steele County Sheriff's Office to request inmate information. The exterior lobby is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
**[Steele County Sheriff's Office](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/sheriff/)**
2500 Alexander St. SW
Owatonna, MN 55060
Phone: (507) 444-7700
[Steele County Sheriff's Office](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/sheriff/)
Staff at the front desk are available during regular business hours to assist with inmate inquiries. Individuals appearing in person should present a valid government-issued photo identification.
**By Mail:**
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Steele County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 2500 Alexander St. SW, Owatonna, MN 55060. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual sought, date of birth, and the specific information requested. Processing times vary depending on the nature and volume of requests received.
**Search Tips:**
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on official identification
- Try name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to distinguish between individuals with similar names
- Search by booking number if available, as this provides the most precise result
- Check both current and recently released inmate records
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online roster
- Individuals who have been transferred to state or federal custody will not appear in the county roster
**What If You Cannot Find an Inmate:**
- The individual may have been transferred to a state prison facility; check the [Minnesota DOC offender locator](https://coms.doc.state.mn.us/publicviewer/)
- The individual may be in federal custody; check the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in another county or jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the published roster
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Contact the Steele County Detention Center directly at (507) 444-7700 for assistance
## Are Inmate Records Public in St. Eele County?
Inmate records maintained by the Steele County Sheriff's Office are subject to public disclosure under the [Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. § 13.82](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/13.82), which governs the classification and release of law enforcement data. Under current law, certain categories of inmate information are classified as public data and are accessible to any member of the public upon request, without requiring a statement of purpose or personal identification.
**Information That Is Public:**
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information, including date and arresting agency
- Charges filed and case numbers
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Custody status (in custody, released, or transferred)
- Facility location
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release date, where available
**Information With Restricted Access:**
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health information and treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be restricted)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records, which are protected under [Minn. Stat. § 260B.171](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/260B.171)
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific security classifications and cell assignments
**Why Inmate Records Are Public:**
The public availability of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Government transparency requires that the public have access to information about individuals held in public custody at public expense. Public safety is served by allowing community members to verify the custody status of individuals who may pose a risk. Family notification is facilitated by open access to booking information. Legal proceedings, including bail bond determinations and attorney representation, depend on timely access to custody data.
**Privacy Considerations:**
Under current law, a balance is maintained between the public's right to access government records and the individual's interest in personal privacy. Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health data, is protected from disclosure regardless of an individual's custody status. The impact of public booking records on families and future employment prospects is acknowledged; however, the statutory framework under [Minn. Stat. § 13.82](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/13.82) reflects a legislative determination that transparency in the administration of custody is a paramount public interest.
## What Is Inmate Records in St. Eele County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, and administrative status of individuals held in a detention facility. These records serve as the authoritative source of information regarding an individual's presence within the correctional system and are used by law enforcement agencies, courts, attorneys, and the public.
The Steele County Sheriff's Office, operating through the [Steele County Detention Center](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/detention_center/index.php), is the official custodian of inmate records for individuals held at the county level. The Minnesota Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals serving sentences in state facilities.
The principal categories of inmate records are distinguished as follows:
- **Booking records** are created at the time of arrest and initial intake, documenting the individual's identity, charges, and physical description.
- **Custody records** reflect the ongoing administrative status of an individual during detention, including housing assignments, classification, and program participation.
- **Incarceration history** encompasses the complete record of an individual's prior bookings, charges, and periods of custody within the jurisdiction.
- **Release records** document the circumstances and date of an individual's discharge from custody, including the basis for release (bond, sentence completion, court order, or transfer).
The distinction between county jail records and state or federal prison records is significant. The Steele County Detention Center holds individuals who are awaiting trial, serving sentences for misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offenses, or awaiting transfer to a state facility following felony conviction. State prison records are maintained by the Minnesota Department of Corrections for individuals serving felony sentences exceeding one year. Federal prison records are maintained by the Bureau of Prisons for individuals convicted of federal offenses.
## What's Included in Inmate Records in St. Eele County
**Personal Identification Information:**
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
**Custody Information:**
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block (subject to security restrictions)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date, if available
- Actual release date following discharge
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
**Charges and Legal Information:**
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers and court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information, including bench warrants issued by the District Court and forwarded to the Sheriff for enforcement, as documented in the [Steele County warrant records](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/detention_center/county_warrants.php)
**Bond and Bail Information:**
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information, where applicable
**Court Information:**
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney information, where available
**Sentence Information** (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges and sentence length
- Sentence start date and projected release date
- Parole eligibility date, where applicable
- Good time credit calculations
**Previous Custody History:**
- Prior bookings within the county
- Previous charges and historical custody dates
**Administrative Information:**
- Classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum security
- Special housing needs
- Work assignments and program participation, where publicly available
**What Is Not Typically Included in Public Records:**
- Medical history or conditions
- Mental health information and treatment records
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments, withheld for security reasons
## St. Eele County Prison System
The Steele County corrections system operates under the authority of the Steele County Sheriff's Office. As stated on the official county website, "The Steele County Detention Center operates under the Steele County Sheriff's Office," with Sheriff Lon Thiele serving as the chief law enforcement officer and Anthony Buttera serving as Jail Administrator. The [Steele County Detention Center](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/detention_center/index.php) is the sole county-operated detention facility and serves as the primary point of intake for individuals arrested within Steele County.
**Administration:**
**[Steele County Detention Center](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/detention_center/index.php)**
2500 Alexander St. SW
Owatonna, MN 55060
Phone: (507) 444-7700
[Steele County Detention Center](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/detention_center/index.php)
**Facility Operations:**
The Detention Center houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state facilities, and individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions. Classification of inmates is conducted upon intake to determine appropriate housing and security level.
**Inmate Services:**
The Detention Center provides access to medical care, mental health services, religious programming, and educational resources. Visitation at the facility is conducted exclusively through video visiting. As noted in the official inmate visitation policy, "All inmate visiting at the Steele County Detention Center will be done via video visiting. This means there is no face to face contact between the visitor and the inmate." Members of the public seeking to arrange a visit may review the [inmate visitation procedures](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/detention_center/inmate_visiting.php) on the county website.
**Legal Services:**
Inmates retain access to legal resources, including coordination with the public defender's office and attorney visitation through the video visiting system.
**Oversight and Accountability:**
The Steele County Detention Center is subject to oversight by the Minnesota Department of Corrections pursuant to [Minn. Stat. § 641.15](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/641.15), which establishes standards for county jail operations. Grievance procedures are available to inmates through the facility's administrative process.
## Types of Correctional Facilities in St. Eele County
### Steele County Detention Center
**[Steele County Detention Center](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/detention_center/index.php)**
2500 Alexander St. SW
Owatonna, MN 55060
Phone: (507) 444-7700
[Steele County Detention Center](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/detention_center/index.php)
The Steele County Detention Center is the primary correctional facility serving Steele County. The facility operates under the Steele County Sheriff's Office and houses the following populations:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Sentenced misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenders
- Felony holdovers awaiting transfer to Minnesota Department of Corrections facilities
- Individuals held on warrants or detainers from other jurisdictions
**Alternative Custody Programs:**
The Steele County Sheriff's Office administers alternative custody options for eligible individuals. Members of the public seeking information regarding home detention, electronic monitoring, or work release eligibility may contact the [Records Department](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/sheriff/records.php) at the Sheriff's Office.
**[Steele County Sheriff's Office Records Division](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/sheriff/records.php)**
2500 Alexander St. SW
Owatonna, MN 55060
Phone: (507) 444-7700
[Records Department – Steele County](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/sheriff/records.php)
### State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Steele County and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the [Minnesota Department of Corrections](https://mn.gov/doc/). The Department operates multiple facilities throughout the state, and assignment is determined by classification, security level, and program needs. The county jail and state prison systems are administratively distinct; the Sheriff's Office has no jurisdiction over individuals once transferred to state custody.
### Federal Detention Facilities
There are no federal detention facilities physically located within Steele County. Individuals charged with federal offenses are held in facilities designated by the United States Marshals Service or the Bureau of Prisons. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains a national inmate locator at [bop.gov](https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/).
## How To Find an Inmate in St. Eele County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Steele County at no cost through several official government resources.
### 1. Official County Inmate Roster
The [Steele County inmate roster](https://www.co.steele.mn.us/Sheriff/Inmate_Roster.pdf) is available at no charge and requires no registration or account creation. The roster includes current detainees, booking information, charges, bond amounts, facility location, and hold status. The document is updated on a regular basis and is accessible directly from the Sheriff's Office website.
### 2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The [Minnesota DOC offender locator](https://coms.doc.state.mn.us/publicviewer/) provides free access to information on individuals currently incarcerated in state prison facilities. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals who have completed state sentences.
### 3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons provides a free inmate locator at [bop.gov](https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/) for individuals held in federal custody. No registration is required.
### 4. Court Records Search
Court records for Steele County are accessible through the Minnesota Judicial Branch's public access portal. Court filings may confirm an individual's custody status and reflect upcoming court dates, providing an additional avenue for verifying whether an individual remains in custody.
**Free Phone Information:**
Members of the public may call (507) 444-7700 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Staff are available during regular business hours; the exterior lobby is accessible 24 hours a day.
**Free In-Person Search:**
Members of the public may visit the Steele County Sheriff's Office at 2500 Alexander St. SW, Owatonna, MN 55060 to request inmate information in person. No fee is charged for basic information inquiries. Public access terminals may be available during business hours.
**What Is Free vs. What Costs Money:**
The following services are provided at no charge:
- Online inmate roster search
- Current custody status inquiry
- Basic inmate information by phone
- In-person information at the Sheriff's Office
The following services involve fees:
- Depositing funds into an inmate's account
- Video visitation sessions (fees set by the service provider)
- Phone calls initiated by the inmate
- Commissary orders
- Certified copies of booking records
- Comprehensive background check reports
**Scam Warning:**
Members of the public are advised that basic inmate location information is available at no cost through official government websites. Third-party websites that charge fees for inmate search services or mugshot access are not affiliated with Steele County or any government agency. Members of the public should verify that they are accessing an official `.gov` website before submitting any personal or financial information.
## Lookup Inmate Records in St. Eele County
- [Steele County Detention Center – Facility Overview](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/detention_center/index.php)
- [Steele County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster (PDF)](https://www.co.steele.mn.us/Sheriff/Inmate_Roster.pdf)
- [Inmate Visitation – Steele County Detention Center](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/detention_center/inmate_visiting.php)
- [Steele County Arrest Warrants](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/detention_center/county_warrants.php)
- [Steele County Inmate Roster Search](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/search.php?q=Inmate+Roster)
- [Steele County Sheriff's Office](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/sheriff/)
- [Steele County Sheriff's Office Records Department](https://www.steelecountymn.gov/sheriff/records.php)
- [Minnesota Department of Corrections Offender Locator](https://coms.doc.state.mn.us/publicviewer/)
- [Search for Individuals and Fugitives – Minnesota DOC](https://mn.gov/doc/family-visitor/search-individuals-fugitives/)
- [Minnesota Department of Corrections](https://mn.gov/doc/)