David Triumphs Over Goliath Pt 2: Local Veteran Wins Another Battle in Legal War Against Internet Giant
Rural Ellendale, MN Resident Daniel Petsinger Secures Major Victory Over ISP Jaguar Communications, Also Known as Metronet (TM)
By Keith Haskell - Independent Investigative Journalist
In a remarkable victory that reads like a modern-day David versus Goliath story, Daniel Petsinger, a wartime military veteran, local businessman, and property owner from Ellendale, Minnesota, has secured another win against the internet service provider Jaguar Communications, also recognized in some circles as Metronet. This latest development marks a significant chapter in the ongoing legal battle involving properties valued at nearly two million dollars.
Petsinger, who owns and operates RadioLink Internet, a competitor of Jaguar and Metronet, initially purchased five parcels of undeveloped residential land in Ellendale from the State of Minnesota in 2017. Among these was a lot featuring a small but strategic communications building. Before making the purchase, Petsinger discovered that the easement Jaguar previously held, allowing access and use of the building, was extinguished by law due to a tax forfeiture.
Once the tax forfeiture conveyance deed was in hand, confirming the purchase included all existing structures and associated appurtenances, Petsinger requested Jaguar to vacate. However, his requests were met with no action, prompting a prolonged exchange of communications that lasted approximately six months. Despite these communications, Jaguar remained on the property.
Fast forward to 2024, and after issuing a firm cease-and-desist letter, which Jaguar ignored, the ISP filed a lawsuit against Petsinger. Eleven months and nearly 200 court filings later, a district court judge ruled on the night before Christmas Eve in favor of Petsinger, ordering Jaguar to vacate the premises and refrain from returning by January 23rd, 2025. Filing Fees in the matter have already cost Petsinger an estimated $3,000.00.
In response to the court’s decision, Jaguar filed an intent to appeal and requested a stay of enforcement, which was conditionally granted upon posting a $25,000 security bond. However, Jaguar did not fulfill this requirement, leaving the stay unenforceable as Petsinger regained possession of his property. Contrary to their claims that vacating would take a year, Jaguar and Metronet remarkably cleared out within 48 hours, during which they severely damaged the building by cutting cables and removing equipment valued at $2.2 million. These actions occurred amidst the appeal, violating court rules about contested property.
Petsinger, documenting what he describes as a premeditated theft and criminal damage, promptly sought appellate court intervention. This afternoon, relief was granted, setting the stage for hearings on alleged contempt of court and other civil and criminal accusations against Jaguar and Metronet. Interestingly, soon after Petsinger secured and posted a notice on the property, Jaguar attempted to rectify matters by indicating their intent to finally post the needed security bond. However, by the time of this publication, the bond had not been received or approved by the judge.
Early this afternoon, Petsinger was notified that the Minnesota Court of Appeals will hear his case and concerns, finding credibility and Creedence to Petsinger’s claims against Jaguar, and address concerns in the lower court's final decisions.
Jaguar, represented by Moss and Barnett of Minneapolis, had previously parted ways with their rising attorney, Taylor D. Sztainer, following a controversial letter containing domestic terroristic threats to demolish the contested building, despite court evidence and a ruling confirming Petsinger's legitimate ownership.
This triumph underscores Petsinger's relentless perseverance and moral conviction in defending his rights. His success serves as a testament to what determination, legal understanding, and righteousness can achieve, providing hope and inspiration for self-represented litigants across the nation facing towering adversaries in their pursuit of justice.
Keith Haskell is an independent investigative journalist most often found in social media under the moniker 507PatrotMn. Haskell posted an interaction between Steele County Deputies and Petsinger from January 21, quickly approaching 20,000 views. In that interaction, one Deputy threatened to arrest Haskell for “interference” – of which Minnesota has no law. Haskell was on the private property of Petsinger’s with his permission, and Deputies were not investigating a crime but were explaining the county attorney's “opinion” in a civil matter. Haskell is considering litigation for the 1st and 14th amendment violations.