Mendota Heights Police Issue Community Notification Ahead of Level Three Offender’s Release
Provided by the MN Department of Corrections.
Published: February 25, 2026
MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN: The Mendota Heights Police Department has announced that a Level Three registered sex offender, Eric James Dokken, will be released from prison on March 2, 2026, and will reportedly reside in the 2200 block of Lexington Avenue South in Mendota Heights.
According to a community notification fact sheet dated February 18, 2026, Dokken, 62, is classified as a Risk Level Three offender, the highest public risk level under Minnesota’s community notification law. Law enforcement agencies are authorized to notify the broader community when a Level Three offender is released.
Offender Information
Name: Eric James Dokken
Date of Birth: December 28, 1963
Height/Weight: 5’8”, 175 pounds
Hair/Eyes: Gray or partially gray hair, brown eyes
Race: White
Release Date: March 2, 2026
Address: 2200 block of Lexington Avenue South, Mendota Heights
The notification states that Dokken has a history of engaging in sexual contact with known male children. Authorities report that his offenses have included touch and penetration. Investigators indicate that he used relationships of trust to gain access to victims and employed manipulation, coercion, bribery, and threats to maintain contact. The fact sheet also notes that he has previously been found in possession of child sexual abuse materials.
Prior Convictions and Recent Case
Dokken has three separate convictions under Minnesota Statute 609.343 (Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree) and is also required to register under Minnesota Statute 617.247. Authorities indicate that Dokken had previously been living in the community following his release from prison for his last felony second-degree criminal sexual conduct conviction. However, he later reoffended.
According to court records, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) received a tip regarding suspected child pornography being downloaded at a residence in Mendota Heights. Agents confirmed the image and traced the subscriber information to Dokken.
On July 31, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence. His cell phone was seized, and investigators located approximately 10 to 15 images of suspected child sexual abuse material. Authorities reported that Dokken’s criminal history, internet search history, preferred search engine, and email inbox contents corroborated knowledge of possession of the material.
He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 39 months at the Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes after pleading guilty to the offense. He is now completing that sentence and transitioning back into the community.
Community Notification and Public Safety
Under Minnesota Statutes 244.052 and 253D, law enforcement agencies are permitted to inform the public of a registered offender’s release when doing so is believed to enhance public safety.
The Mendota Heights Police Department emphasized that the purpose of the notification is to raise awareness, not to incite fear. Officials also remind residents that harassment, intimidation, or threats directed at registered offenders are unlawful and could result in criminal charges.
Police note that offenders who have served their court-imposed sentences are legally permitted to live in communities throughout the state. Law enforcement agencies do not have the authority to direct where an offender resides beyond statutory supervision requirements.
Questions from the Public
Residents with questions regarding Dokken’s release or community notification procedures are encouraged to contact Mendota Heights Police. In the Facebook post from the Mendota Heights Police Department, several residents voiced concern that the location where Dokken is expected to reside is near several schools, something the Chief acknowledged, but stated, “We do not get a say in where he lives.”
Police Chief McCarthy has directed residents to email inquiries to:
kmccarthy@mendotaheightsmn.gov
Additional information about community notification in Minnesota is available through the Minnesota Department of Corrections website under “Community Notification.”
Provided by the Mendota Heights Police Department/Facebook.
