A Letter to Our Community

Dear Five Lakes Family & Community,

I want to thank you for the friendships and relationships that we have developed over the years. Serving you has been my greatest pleasure, and I treasure each one of you. My family and I consider your presence in our lives a true gift.

I’m heartbroken to share with you that my brother and Five Lakes co-founder Jared has been formally charged with criminal sexual conduct. And, that our oldest daughter is the alleged victim.

In response to the revelation of these allegations early in Nov. 2024, as law enforcement investigated, Jared was placed on indefinite leave and relieved of his position and duties at Five Lakes Coffee. We also notified the staff so that they would be aware of the situation.

As you might imagine, family relationships are strained as we continue to process such devastating charges and navigate toward truth and resolution. We have never been through anything like this as a family or a business. I am committed to being open, honest and always striving to do the right thing.

I want to assure you that our core values and mission to ‘Love & Value People’ have not changed. We remain unwaveringly committed to serving our family, team members, customers, and communities with the utmost care, grace, and integrity.

I have asked our team to continue to focus on serving you, making people’s day and to continue building relationships. I hope that as a community you can extend grace to our family and business in this difficult time. We also appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Due to the sensitivity of the circumstances and ongoing developments, I will refrain from further comment regarding this case while it continues moving through the legal system.

By God’s grace I trust that one day we will tell a story of hope and healing.

Sincerely,
Paul
Co-founder, Five Lakes Coffee