Minnesota Man Accused of Theft Across 5 States

There are several ways to skin a cat and even more ways to get something for nothing. Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways of ensuring you won’t get caught, particularly if your methods are as bold as this St. Paul man.

Forty seven year old Daniel S. Reetz was recently sentenced for theft charges in Minnesota for a single person theft operation that crossed 5 state lines. In a plea agreement Reetz was sentenced to 2 years in prison for Conspiracy to Transport Stolen Property.

According to this article from the Star Tribune, citing the plea agreement itself, Reetz would enter retail establishments like Sam’s Club, empty a large box, and fill it with high dollar items. He would then pay the price marked on the box, leaving the store with items at a much higher value.

After making it out with things like computers, he would take the items back home and sell them, turning a serious, and illegal profit. The retail value of the items stolen reached nearly $47,000 though it is not clear how much money Reetz made.

In less than a year’s time he traveled from stores in Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and of course Minnesota to complete his heists. There were a total of 20 retail locations named in the indictment.

There are several ways to land a theft charge and shoplifting is just one of them. Although shoplifting itself isn’t uncommon, this high dollar amount in a shoplifting case is. Typically, people stealing from retail establishments are simply taking those things they can easily conceal in their clothing or their pocketbook.

The list on this shoplifting page details all the ways you can be charged with theft in the state of Minnesota. One look at the potential penalties for theft reveals Reetz got a good deal with his plea agreement. Theft involving goods valued at over $35,000 is a felony and can result in 20 years in prison.

If you are facing theft charges and scared at the prospect of prison time and a criminal record, you need to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The quicker we get started on your case, the more prepared we will be when it’s time to go to court.

Call me today to discuss the details of your case and what I can do to help.