Rochester man charged with felony threats following roofing dispute

Jerome (Joe) Allen Cogswell, 76, is facing a felony threats charge in Olmsted County Court following an incident with a roofing contractor in Rochester, Minnesota.

According to a criminal complaint, the dispute arose when the contractor arrived at Cogswell’s home to review a certificate of completion for a new roof and detached garage. When the outstanding final balance was discussed, the situation escalated. The victim reported that Cogswell made multiple threats to kill him, including statements about breaking his neck.

The complaint alleges that Cogswell instructed his wife to “get the gun” and began a countdown while walking toward a closet, prompting the contractor to flee the scene in his vehicle. During subsequent police contact, Cogswell reportedly stated that the victim “should be shot and hung.”