Man charged in inmate's overdose death in Chisago County jail

Officials say a Scandia man is responsible for another man's death at the Chisago County jail.

John Hofer, 37, of Scandia, was charged Tuesday with third-degree murder for allegedly supplying a fatal amount of methamphetamine to Erik Nielsen, who was pronounced dead in the intake area of the jail on July 22, according to a news release from the Chisago County Sheriff's Office.

Hofer was arrested Wednesday.

Deputies had arrested Nielsen on a felony warrant during a traffic stop.

Shortly after arriving at the jail, Nielsen had a medical emergency and died.

An investigation determined that Nielsen died from a methamphetamine overdose and that the drugs were supplied by Hofer, authorities said.