Walker, Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) — A North Dakota man faces a felony charge in Minnesota.
Paul Joseph Baumler, 62, of Casselton, North Dakota, is charged with felony theft-by-check.
The charge cites Minn. Stat. 609.52, subd. 2(a)(3)(i).
ATV sale tied to closed account
A criminal complaint says a Walker dealer reported a bounced check on September 15, 2025.
The report came from Loney Sales & Service.
The complaint says Baumler bought a $5,400 ATV on September 5, 2025.
The check was returned by First National Bank of Walker, the complaint says.
The account was closed, according to investigators.
The dealer later contacted Baumler, the complaint says.
He allegedly apologized and blamed the wrong account.
No payment was later received, the complaint says.
Investigators then found the same ATV listed on Facebook Marketplace.
The listing price was $5,600, according to the complaint.
Second ATV case and recovery
The complaint also describes a June 2025 case in Walker.
That report involved Lakes Area Powersports.
Investigators say a $3,513 check was returned for non-sufficient funds.
A second check was later returned, the complaint says.
Investigators say that account was also closed.
Authorities later recovered that ATV in a storage unit in Fergus Falls.
Sporting goods purchase
A third report was filed on October 30, 2025, the complaint says.
It came from Reeds Family Outdoor Outfitters in Walker.
Investigators say store images show Baumler using a bad check.
The items included a Vortex range finder and Merrell waterproof boots.
The total was $555.45, according to the complaint.
Investigators say the check was drawn on a closed account.
The ID numbers used in the sale matched a North Dakota address, officials say.
Warrant and court status
Court records show a judge signed the complaint on January 23, 2026.
A warrant has been issued for Baumler’s arrest, according to court filings.
Records also show an active felony warrant in Douglas County for similar claims.
The complaint lists an alleged offense date of June 4, 2025.
For more information, visit the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.