East Grand Forks, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — Terry Rodriguez, 51, is charged with theft. She faces two felony counts.
The charges follow an internal review at a local gas station. The case is based on a criminal complaint.
Rodriguez is accused of taking about $1,450.06 in cash and merchandise. The complaint says the thefts happened between September and November 2025. Prosecutors say the money was used for scratch-off tickets.
What investigators allege
According to the criminal complaint, a store manager contacted police after spotting shortages. An officer met with the manager on January 5, 2026. The manager shared receipts and surveillance video.
Police say Rodriguez worked as a clerk at Orton’s gas station. The complaint says she could run refunds and void items. Investigators allege she used that access to take money from the register.
Police allege Rodriguez ran refunds after customers had already left. The complaint says she kept the refunded cash. Investigators say she then bought scratch-off tickets with it.
To hide the loss, police allege she used “line voids” in the system. Those voids would remove items from the day’s totals. Police say the voids helped her balance the till at closing.
Interview and timeline
An officer interviewed Rodriguez on January 6, 2026, the complaint says. Police say she admitted the thefts. She reportedly cited money stress and a gambling habit.
The complaint says Rodriguez worked at the store for about five years. She told police she began stealing after her father died. She said bills piled up fast.
Rodriguez told police she hoped to win enough to repay the store. The complaint says she expressed remorse. The case remains pending in court.
Charges and possible penalties
Rodriguez was charged by summons in Polk County District Court. She faces felony theft of movable property. She also faces felony theft by swindle.
Each charge carries a maximum of five years in prison. Each charge also carries a possible $10,000 fine. The probable cause statement was signed by Judge Corey A. Harbott.
Court records list an alleged offense date of September 1, 2025. The case was filed on February 9, 2026. Any conviction would require proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
External resources
- Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO)
- Minnesota court case search portal
- Minnesota Lottery: Gambling help resources
- Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.