Officials, lawmaker condemn targeting of journalists by Albert Lea cannabis licensee

Albert Lea city officials and a state lawmaker are weighing in after Alpha News reporter Jenna Gloeb and Albert Lea Tribune reporter Sarah Stultz were targeted online following their coverage of state “social equity” cannabis licensee Jacob Schlichter.

Both reporters saw websites pop up in their names after publishing stories about Schlichter’s past criminal conviction and the Walz administration’s decision to grant him a cannabis license.

Schlichter, owner of The Smoking Tree in Albert Lea, received a recreational cannabis microbusiness license from the state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) on July 17.

Days later, the Albert Lea City Council voted 4-3 to deny his business registration, with another vote set for Aug. 11.

Reporters targeted with websites

In the Albert Lea Tribune reporter’s case, a domain using Sarah Stultz’s first and last name was created and redirected to Schlichter’s business, The Smoking Tree, until Aug. 9, when it began displaying an error message, indicating it had been taken offline.

On Facebook, Schlichter posted a lengthy tirade accusing Stultz of pushing “propaganda” on behalf of the local government, claiming “the government broke the damn law” and that “we the people” are the real victims. He ended the post with Stultz’s work email address.

In Gloeb’s case, a defamatory website was promoted in Facebook comments by the username “Sei Ko” — an online alias known to be used by Schlichter.

Records show the domain was purchased hours after Gloeb first contacted Schlichter for comment about an article that included his past criminal conviction, and it was promoted in numerous comments the day the article was published.

The website included Gloeb’s home address, photos of her minor children, and numerous false and slanderous statements about her.

After seeing those posts, a woman contacted Gloeb via Facebook, identifying herself as a prior victim of Schlichter’s “relentless stalking and harassment.”

“Please be careful because he is crazy and relentless,” she wrote, adding that she had recently filed for a restraining order against him and considered him “dangerous” and “mentally unstable.”

The Albert Lea Tribune reported that same woman — whom Alpha News is keeping anonymous — filed a restraining order against Schlichter last week.

Following a cease-and-desist letter sent to Schlichter by Chris Madel, the attorney representing Gloeb and Alpha News, the website about Gloeb was taken offline.

State leaders speak out against online intimidation

Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, told Alpha News she spoke with local law enforcement and the House Sergeant at Arms after learning of the incidents involving the reporters, which she called “concerning on many levels.”

“What has taken place against Jenna, Sarah, and others is an attempt to intimidate and silence those targeted — and by proxy others who might speak up, including elected officials,” stated Rep. Bennett.

Bennett called it a very real attempt “to suppress free speech and it must be called out as such. Harassment and intimidation have absolutely no place in our Democratic society, whether it’s our free press, elected officials, or local citizens.”

Albert Lea City Manager Ian Rigg, responding on behalf of the City Council, told Alpha News that city staff “recently learned of this” and that it “is concerning and may factor in a decision” when the council votes again on Schlichter’s business registration.

Asked whether someone with Schlichter’s background and apparent temperament should run a business with access to sensitive customer information, such as driver’s licenses, Rigg said: “It is concerning. We recommend people call their state legislators, specifically those who voted in favor, and ask them if this was their intent when the law passed. Whether by statute or administrative rule we feel there are gaps in the approval process that need correction starting with the legislature and ending with local control.”

He added, “I feel it is safe to say there are many factors that are concerning and the top priority for the City Council is the wellbeing of this community when or if they take action on August 11th.”

Rigg also raised red flags about Schlichter’s conduct to the Albert Lea Tribune, telling the outlet that beyond Schlichter’s prior conviction, it was concerning that he has shown a “disdain or inability” to follow lawful orders and legal requirements.

Rigg cited probation violations, statements to the press about Schlichter opening his store regardless of registration, and noted the new restraining order that had been filed against Schlichter.

A disturbing history

Alpha News previously reported on Schlichter’s 2017 conviction for contributing to the need for child protection or services after prosecutors said the then-20-year-old drove a 16-year-old girl he met online from Texas to Minnesota, where she told authorities they had a sexual relationship. According to the girl, she first met Schlichter when she was 12.

Schlichter’s record also includes probation violations that led to jail time and a string of bizarre, dismissed lawsuits filed between 2022 and 2024.

Despite this history, state officials say his record does not include offenses that automatically bar cannabis licensure.

On Monday, Aug. 11, the Albert Lea City Council will vote once again on Schlichter’s business registration. Council documents outline concerns with Schlichter’s behavior and note that “the City Manager does not recommend reconsideration at this time.”

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