Becker County, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A 26-year-old Detroit Lakes man has been sentenced to jail and probation after pleading guilty to felony third-degree burglary for breaking into a Casey’s General Store and stealing nearly $10,000.
Alexander Arthur Scheiben was sentenced on July 2 by District Judge Gretchen Thilmony in Becker County District Court.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of October 28, 2024, when officers with the Detroit Lakes Police Department responded to a reported burglary at Casey’s General Store on Highway 10.
Store management reported that two individuals entered the store overnight, disabled the alarm system, and accessed the safe, removing $9,584 in cash. Surveillance footage captured two slim, taller individuals, one matching Scheiben’s appearance, in and out of the building within 90 seconds. One suspect was seen wearing a distinct black sweatshirt.
Scheiben, a former employee who had recently stopped showing up for work, was identified as a suspect. A search of his residence turned up the unique sweatshirt and a store entry key. He was arrested on an unrelated matter and later admitted during questioning that he and another person committed the burglary while he was “high on cocaine.”
Scheiben told investigators he had used a store key he never returned to enter the building, took the money, locked the door behind him, and disposed of the clothing in a black duffel bag, which was later recovered by police.
Judge Thilmony sentenced Scheiben to 12 months in prison at St. Cloud, stayed for five years, meaning he will avoid prison if he complies with all conditions. He was ordered to serve 60 days in jail, with credit for three days served. Work release was authorized under jail policy.
He must pay $9,584 in restitution, a $50 fine, and $160 in court fees.
Additional conditions include:
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No use of drugs or alcohol
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Completion of a comprehensive chemical use assessment and all recommended aftercare
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Cognitive skills training and compliance with cognitive behavioral programming
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A mental health evaluation and full compliance with treatment recommendations
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Five years of supervised probation
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.