Deer Creek Man Charged in $1,500 Card Fraud

DEER CREEK (trfnews.i234.me) — A Deer Creek man faces a felony financial card fraud charge in Otter Tail County.

Joshua Dale Larson is accused of using a former employer’s company credit card without permission.

The alleged purchases totaled about $1,500, according to a criminal complaint filed in district court.

Larson has been charged with financial card fraud involving the use of a card without the cardholder’s consent.

The charge is a felony under Minnesota Statute 609.821.

A conviction could bring up to five years in prison. It could also bring a $10,000 fine.

Business Owner Reports Unauthorized Charges

The investigation began on February 4, 2026.

A business owner reported several unauthorized purchases on a company credit card.

The owner said employees could use company cards for approved business costs.

However, many workers had been laid off during the winter.

The owner then noticed purchases dating back to December 20, 2025.

The charges appeared at businesses in Wadena, Henning, and Vining.

Most purchases involved fuel, snacks, and other personal items, the complaint alleges.

The questioned transactions continued through February 3, 2026.

Joshua Dale Larson

The business owner contacted a Vining gas station about one purchase.

Investigators later reviewed surveillance video from the reported transaction.

The video showed a Chevrolet Suburban parked near the gas pumps.

A person then entered the store and purchased food, according to the complaint.

The business owner believed the person resembled Larson.

Vehicle records showed the Suburban was registered to Larson’s father.

The complaint states that Larson lived at the same address.

Investigators spoke with Larson at his residence on April 2, 2026.

Larson confirmed that he previously worked for the business.

He also confirmed that his employment ended before December 2025.

Larson allegedly admitted to using the company card after leaving the job.

He reportedly said he bought fuel, snacks, and other personal items.

Investigators reviewed the questioned charges with Larson.

The complaint alleges he admitted making purchases totaling about $1,500.

Larson reportedly said he did not know where the physical card was located.

The case was filed in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District.

More court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

The charge remains an allegation. Larson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.