Man arrested, charged in overdose death at Chisago County Jail

A Scandia man has been arrested and charged in connection to the death of a man who became unresponsive while authorities booked him into jail.

The Chisago County Sheriff’s Office said 51-year-old Erik Nielsen, of St. Paul, was arrested on a felony Anoka County warrant on July 22. Shortly after he arrived at Chisago County Jail, Nielsen became unresponsive and was pronounced dead in the intake area of the jail.

An autopsy determined Nielsen died of methamphetamine toxicity, also referred to as a drug overdose.

Investigators tracked the meth that killed Nielsen to 37-year-old John Hofer, the sheriff’s office said.

Hofer was charged by the state on Tuesday and arrested early Wednesday morning, according to the sheriff’s office.

The investigation remains active.