Body of Missing Ortonville Man Recovered

The Big Stone County Sheriff's Office confirmed that 42-year-old Gerrick Maus was found dead on October 19, 2026. His body was located in a field about a quarter-mile northeast of where he was last seen on October 1. Mr. Maus had previously fled from law enforcement on foot near the Ortonville Dollar General while being sought on a South Dakota felony aggravated eluding warrant. A search effort involving four agencies and drones failed to locate him at the time of his disappearance. The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office is currently investigating the death, and toxicology results are still pending. Authorities are asking anyone who may have had contact with Mr. Maus between October 1 and October 19 to reach out to the Big Stone County Sheriff's Office.