My question involves small claims court in the state of: Minnesota.
A former roommate of mine has cost me well over 10,000 dollars in various forms. It started when we had a falling out and I got verbal confirmation from the landlord that I could be released from the lease. The roommate changed the locks. A year later I was sued by the former landlord for back rent and utilities totalling about 5,000- which has been fully paid. I found out not too long after that, the roommate used my social security number and info to list me as a co-signer for a student loan. He has failed to pay anything and I am being threatened with court action.
Is there a way for me to recoup the monies lost even though almost 5 years has passed? I have struggled financially due to the burden of this former roommate's debts and recouping that money would relieve a great deal of that burden.

