ROCHESTER, MN – A 76-year-old Minnesota homeowner is facing a felony charge after allegedly threatening to kill a roofing contractor during a dispute over the final payment for a roof installation.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Jerome “Joe” Allen Cogswell was arrested following a confrontation with a roofer at his Rochester home the previous day.
The roofing contractor had reportedly visited Cogswell’s residence to review a certificate of completion for a new roof installed on the homeowner’s house and detached garage.
According to the complaint, Cogswell’s insurance company had covered a portion of the roofing project, but a remaining balance was still owed under the agreement between the homeowner and the roofing company.
When the contractor brought up the outstanding payment, the discussion allegedly turned hostile.
Court documents indicate that Cogswell repeatedly threatened to kill the roofer. At one point, he allegedly instructed his wife to retrieve a gun before getting up, walking toward a closet, and beginning a countdown.
Fearing for his safety, the contractor fled the residence, entered his vehicle, and drove away.
The threats reportedly continued even after Rochester police became involved.
According to the criminal complaint, an officer contacted Cogswell by telephone to discuss the incident. During the conversation, Cogswell allegedly made additional threats against the contractor, including statements about breaking his neck.
When questioned about the reported shooting threats, Cogswell allegedly told the officer that the roofer should be shot and hanged.
Officers subsequently visited the residence and spoke with Cogswell in his driveway.
Both Cogswell and his wife reportedly believed they were being scammed in connection with the roofing project. However, the complaint indicates that Cogswell continued making threatening statements when officers questioned him about the confrontation.
Police arrested Cogswell and escorted him toward a patrol vehicle.
Even during the arrest, Cogswell allegedly warned that there would be a war, including a reference to a machine gun, and continued threatening the contractor.
Cogswell made his initial court appearance on Wednesday, October 7, facing a felony threats charge.
At the time of the original report, his next court appearance had not been scheduled.
The allegations remain unproven, and Cogswell is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
