Callaway (trfnews.i234.me) — A Callaway woman has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony theft.
Mandy Jean Dwyer, 39, was sentenced after a theft case tied to the city-owned Callaway Liquor Store.
According to court records, Dwyer was accused of stealing more than $15,000 while working at the store.
The reported thefts happened between Aug. 4 and Aug. 22, 2025.
The criminal complaint estimated the total theft at about $15,491.63.
After she was caught, Dwyer returned about $7,700.
That left the City of Callaway with a loss of about $7,791.63.
Short Till Sparked Investigation
The case began after the store manager reported concerns about missing money.
The manager said the gaming till was short about $2,419 on Aug. 4.
Dwyer was working during that time, according to the complaint.
On Aug. 7, the gaming till was short again by about $2,700.
Authorities then reviewed store surveillance video.
The first camera angle did not clearly show specific actions.
However, records say Dwyer took longer than expected near the safe.
She was also seen pulling a closet door shut.
Because of those concerns, Arvig was contacted to improve camera coverage.
Video Showed Money Taken
Dwyer worked again on Aug. 15.
The till was later reported short about $6,467.22.
She also worked on Aug. 18.
That day, the till was short about $1,521.41.
Surveillance from Aug. 15 showed Dwyer taking $25 from an on-sale till.
She brought the money into the office to make change.
Records say there was no reason for her to enter the safe.
The complaint says she opened gaming till cash bags.
She was then seen moving her hands toward her waistband.
Authorities said it appeared she concealed money on her person.
Dwyer Admitted Theft
Dwyer’s next shift was Aug. 22.
During that shift, video was monitored in real time from the city hall.
She was again seen entering the safe and taking cash.
At the end of the shift, Dwyer was interviewed.
She admitted to stealing money from the liquor store.
She turned over $1,700 that was hidden in her pants.
Dwyer also said she still had about $6,000 at home.
She later turned over that money as well.
According to the complaint, Dwyer said she stole to help pay for her son’s college costs.
Sentence And Restitution Hearing
On April 6, District Judge Michelle Lawson issued a stay of imposition.
If Dwyer completes probation, the felony will become a misdemeanor.
Dwyer was ordered to serve 45 days in the Becker County Jail.
She received credit for four days served.
She must serve 15 days in jail.
The remaining 30 days may be served on electronic home monitoring.
Dwyer must pay that cost herself.
Work release privileges were granted.
She was fined $300 and must pay $85 in court fees.
Dwyer was placed on supervised probation for five years.
She was ordered not to use illegal drugs or alcohol.
She must also complete cognitive skill training.
A restitution hearing is scheduled for June 10 before Judge Lawson.
More court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.