Detroit Lakes Man Charged In Walmart Burglary

Detroit Lakes Man Charged In Walmart Burglary

Detroit Lakes (trfnews.i234.me) — A Detroit Lakes man is facing a felony burglary charge after a reported theft at Walmart in Becker County.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Becker County District Court, Gary Lee Watson, 47, of Detroit Lakes, has been charged with third-degree burglary.

The case was filed in Minnesota’s 7th Judicial District under court file number 03-CR-26-904.

Charge Filed In Becker County

Court documents state the alleged offense happened on or about April 22, 2026.

Watson is accused of entering a Walmart store without consent.

The complaint says he entered with the intent to steal or commit another qualifying offense.

Walmart reported that about $500 worth of merchandise was taken from the store.

The complaint alleges Watson left without paying for the items.

Authorities also say Watson had been trespassed from Walmart on October 27, 2025.

Complaint Says Watson Admitted Intent

According to the complaint, police followed up on the shoplifting report on April 27, 2026.

During that follow-up, Watson allegedly admitted he went to Walmart to steal.

No officer names are being included in this report.

Third-degree burglary is a felony under Minnesota Statute 609.582.

Under the charge listed in the complaint, the maximum penalty is five years in prison.

The charge also carries a possible fine of up to $10,000, or both.

A criminal complaint is not a conviction.

Watson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Public court records may be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.

This case remains pending in Becker County District Court.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.