Story perspectives

Bovino Campaign Hit as Strategist Arrested for Meth, Paddle Threat

6/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Gregory Bovino’s campaign was shaken when his online strategist, Roger Stone protégé Jacob Engels, was detained for alleged drug possession after his May 20 arrest in River Falls, Wisconsin, where he faces a felony meth charge and four misdemeanors.
Deputies said Engels, tied to activist Laura Loomer, threatened officers with a wooden paddle.
Engels told Bovino about the incident, prompting scrutiny of Bovino’s judgment after the commander expressed no concern.

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Story summary

Gregory Bovino’s campaign was shaken when his online strategist, Roger Stone protégé Jacob Engels, was detained for alleged drug possession after his May 20 arrest in River Falls, Wisconsin, where he faces a felony meth charge and four misdemeanors.
Deputies said Engels, tied to activist Laura Loomer, threatened officers with a wooden paddle.
Engels told Bovino about the incident, prompting scrutiny of Bovino’s judgment after the commander expressed no concern.