Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — Travis Lee Thorson, 37, of Bemidji, is facing a felony theft charge in Beltrami County District Court.
The charge stems from an unpaid auto repair bill at BK Auto in Bemidji.
Court records list the case as 04-CR-26-537.
Thorson is charged with theft by obtaining services without payment.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
It also carries a possible $10,000 fine.
Auto Work And Tires Reported
According to the complaint, Tamra Klasen contacted police on December 18, 2025.
Klasen said she owns BK Auto with her husband, Robert Klasen.
She reported a dishonored check written to the business.
Klasen said Thorson requested vehicle work on June 16, 2025.
The work also included new tires, according to the complaint.
The total bill was listed at $1,247.01.
On June 17, Thorson allegedly wrote a check for the full amount.
The complaint says the check later came back dishonored due to a stop payment.
Second Check Also Allegedly Dishonored
Klasen told police the business contacted Thorson about the returned check.
Thorson allegedly said the return was a mistake.
He also allegedly said he would come in to pay.
On June 20, Thorson returned to the business, according to court records.
He allegedly wrote a second check for $1,247.01.
Klasen said the second check was given to mechanics at the shop.
The complaint says staff did not realize it used the same account.
The second check was also dishonored, according to the complaint.
Certified Letter Sent
Klasen said the business continued trying to collect payment.
She said Thorson later stopped answering calls.
On August 22, the business sent a certified letter.
The letter included the bill and demanded immediate payment.
Klasen said no payment had been made.
She also said there had been no contact since that time.
Records, checks, and certified mail receipts were provided to the police.
Authorities later tried to contact Thorson by phone.
The complaint says the call was not answered.
The voicemail was full and would not accept messages.
Charge Remains An Allegation
The charge is an allegation at this stage.
Thorson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More information about Minnesota court cases is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Minnesota theft law is listed under Minnesota Statute 609.52.
Information about Beltrami County court services is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
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