The program speakers at the Thursday, Feb. 22, Rotary Club of Edina meeting were Chris Omodt and Pat Matter, authors of the book, “Breaking the Code.” They were introduced by Pat Matter's niece, Rotarian Heather Edelson. Guests included two of Edina Police officers, David Venne and Brian Tholen; and Jake Omodt, Chris Omodt's son.
Shelly Loberg, International Service Director, shared what her committee is working on so far this Rotary year.
For more on the meeting, click on the link below...
We were greeted by Wayne Harmon and Mike Sitek. Frank Cardarelle and Jennifer Garske provided front desk support.
President San Asato called us to order on time and Bill McReavy gave us the invocation.
Jody Kern provided the guest introductions for:
President San Asato called us to order on time and Bill McReavy gave us the invocation.
Jody Kern provided the guest introductions for:
- Scott MacDonald’s guest Toshie Metzger, newly approved member
- Ann Platt’s guest Kevin Koepke, newly approved member
- Sandra Schley’s guest Katy Campbell, newly approved member
- Jody Kern’s guest Angela Reierson-Lapensky
- Andrea Thompson Miller’s guest Kyle Hamilton
- Bob Gubrud’s guest Dale Besch
- Tim Murphy’s guest Amanda Ottman
- Bill McReavy’s guest Tim Raymond
- Kaylin Eidsness’s guests Jake Omodt and Edina Police Officers David Venne and Brian Tholen
International Service Director Shelly Loberg spoke about the International Service Committee and grants that are currently being funded and supported by the Edina Rotary Foundation.Heather Edelson, niece of Pat Matter, introduced our speakers, Pat Matter and Chris Omodt, the authors of the book, “Breaking the Code.”
Chris Omodt, a former police officer with the City of Edina and deputy at the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, along with Pat Matter, the leader of the Minnesota Hells Angels for 21 years, provided a riveting presentation on their book. Over the last several years, Chris and Pat have developed a friendship and written a book together, which they present to groups around the country.
Pat discussed his history of being the leader of Hells Angels and the investigation, which Chris had influential involvement, that eventually led to Pat’s arrest and incarceration. Pat was facing life in prison and decided to take a plea that would have him imprisoned for 10 years. The judge did not agree to the plea and instead enforced an upward departure, ordering Pat to serve 17.5 years in prison. It is the first time that Chris has ever seen a judge do an upward departure from someone’s plea agreement. Pat continued to take the plea and ended up providing information and working with the police against the Hells Angels. Pat’s turn against the Hells Angels continues to be something that is discussed by the Hells Angels today, and requires Pat to “hide in plain sight.” Kaylin Eidsness thanked the speaker. San Asato adjourned the meeting promptly at 1:30 p.m.
