Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji-area woman is facing a felony theft charge after authorities said she used a lower-priced barcode to buy more costly items at Walmart.
Charge Filed In Beltrami County
According to a criminal complaint, Shanna Rae Weiss, 33, was charged with felony theft in Beltrami County District Court.
The complaint says the case was filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. Prosecutors allege Weiss took movable property without consent and intended to keep it. The charge is listed under Minnesota’s theft law. View the Minnesota theft statute. View Beltrami County District Court.
What Investigators Claim Happened
The complaint says Walmart asset protection investigator contacted police on July 16, 2024. Twa reported that Weiss was stopped after store staff saw her scan a cheaper Universal Product Code, or UPC, for higher-priced items.
Authorities say Weiss completed her purchase at self-checkout and then passed the final points of sale. Store staff then stopped her near the exit. According to the complaint, Weiss admitted she did not pay for everything. The complaint also says she told staff it was her first time under-ringing items.
But store surveillance and records later led investigators to a broader timeline. The complaint says Walmart security video showed similar alleged under-ringing on July 16, July 13, June 28, June 22, June 20, June 16, June 15, and June 12.
Dollar Amount Listed In Complaint
Store records cited in the complaint place the total value of the items at $1,131.84. That amount pushed the case into felony territory under Minnesota law, according to the filed charge.
At this stage, the charge remains an allegation. Weiss has been summoned to answer the complaint in court. A criminal complaint lays out what prosecutors believe they can prove. It is not a conviction.
The case will move through Beltrami County District Court unless it is dismissed, resolved by plea, or taken to trial.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
They all think they are getting away with stealing… 😉 nope they add up your free “shopping sprees” as you walk out the door until it becomes a FELONY 🥳🥳🥳 SUPRISE!