Three Charged After Group Allegedly Breaks Into Chaska Conference Center
Carver County Jail Booking Photo
Published: September 30th, 2026.
CHASKA MN: Three people are facing charges after authorities say a group entered the Oak Ridge Conference Center in Chaska, a property that Chaska Police have previously warned people not to enter.
According to three Carver County criminal complaints, several members of the group told investigators they had learned about the property through TikTok or urban-exploration videos.
Police responded to a reported burglary in progress around 11:49 p.m. on Sept. 27 after six males were reportedly seen on security cameras inside the building, which is currently undergoing renovations for redevelopment.
Thomas John Kotval, 18, Michael Ray Pearson, 18, and Dylan Andrew Hicks Burbul, 18, are each charged with felony third-degree burglary, misdemeanor trespassing and misdemeanor fleeing a peace officer by means other than a motor vehicle.
Pearson is also charged with felony first-degree criminal damage to property.
According to the complaints, officers encountered members of the group outside the building and several ran. Burbul was taken into custody, Pearson was later found in a wooded area and three other members of the group, including two juveniles, were located near railroad tracks. Kotval was later found walking out of the woods and was also taken into custody.
Police allege the group entered through a broken window. Pearson initially told officers there was already a hole in the window, but investigators said the damage appeared fresh and a large rock was found inside the building among broken glass.
When confronted with that information, Pearson allegedly admitted throwing a rock through the window, according to the complaint. Another member of the group also allegedly told investigators Pearson broke the window before the group entered.
The window was estimated to cost approximately $2,450 to repair.
Chaska Police have previously warned people not to enter the Oak Ridge property and have said trespassers could face criminal charges.
Third-degree burglary and first-degree criminal damage to property each carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
The charges are allegations. Kotval, Pearson and Burbul are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.