Albert Lea Police Chief Dwaine Winkels released the following statement Friday to Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce members:

“The Albert Lea Police Department recognizes the difficult circumstances the recent search warrant and property seizure at Albert Lea Abstract Company may have created for area businesses and individuals. Many of you may have pending transactions at this business that are now frozen. We are working hard to try and minimize the impact.

“Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the prosecutor’s office are scheduled to meet on Tuesday morning in an attempt to develop a course of action to address some of your concerns. The Police Department will release further details as soon as they are available.”