Thief River Falls Man Charged in $10K Jewelry Theft
Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man is facing a felony theft charge after jewelry valued at about $10,000 was reported stolen from a local residence.
Francisco Valverde, born November 12, 2007, of Thief River Falls, has been charged with felony theft over $5,000 in Pennington County District Court.
The charge comes from an investigation into missing jewelry reported after a couple returned from vacation in May 2026.
Jewelry Reported Missing After Vacation
Court documents state Tony and Rachael Dorn returned home from vacation on May 4, 2026.
Rachael Dorn later discovered that her wedding ring and wedding band were missing.
The couple reported the missing jewelry and estimated the value at about $10,000.
They also reported a set of diamond earrings missing. Documents state the earrings had an estimated value of $700.
The complaint states the couple’s roommate, Conner O’Neill, told investigators that Valverde had been inside the home while they were away.
According to the complaint, O’Neill said Valverde had used the upstairs bathroom where the wedding ring was located.
Pawn Shop Investigation
Investigators checked local pawn records but did not initially find Valverde listed.
The investigation later led authorities to a pawn transaction in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
According to court documents, Tucker Coombs pawned a two-tone engagement ring and gold earrings at First National Pawn in Grand Forks.
The items were later identified as the jewelry reported stolen from the Dorn residence.
The pawn transaction reportedly occurred on April 30, 2026.
The items were placed on hold, and investigators recovered them as evidence.
Investigation Leads to Suspect
Investigators later located a vehicle connected to the investigation while traveling near Thief River Falls.
The vehicle was stopped near the intersection of 110th Avenue and 140th Street.
Authorities identified the occupants as Tucker Coombs and Francisco Valverde.
The complaint states Coombs initially gave investigators one explanation about the jewelry.
Later, according to court documents, Coombs said Valverde provided the items and asked him to pawn them.
The complaint states the money from the pawn transaction was used for fuel and food.
Felony Theft Charge
Valverde is charged with felony theft over $5,000 under Minnesota law.
If convicted, the charge carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both.
The allegations contained in the complaint are accusations. Valverde is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More Minnesota court information can be found through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
