Moorhead Woman Charged After Selling Car

Clay County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Clay County woman is facing felony and misdemeanor theft charges after prosecutors allege she sold another person’s vehicle without permission.

Felony Theft Complaint Filed

According to a criminal complaint filed in Clay County District Court, Sherry Ann Schmidt, of Fergus Falls, has been charged with one felony count and one misdemeanor count of theft.

The felony charge alleges Schmidt intentionally took, transferred, or sold a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.

The misdemeanor charge alleges Schmidt also took or transferred other movable property without permission. That offense carries a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Vehicle Reported Missing

Court documents state the vehicle owner left the vehicle with grandparents during February 2026.

The owner later returned and discovered the vehicle was gone.

Investigators allege Schmidt, the owner’s mother, sold the vehicle without first receiving permission from the legal owner.

The complaint says the vehicle was sold for $100 to a buyer identified only by initials in court records.

The buyer reportedly towed the vehicle away because it was not running. Court documents state the transmission was broken.

Investigation Details

According to the complaint, Schmidt told investigators she believed the vehicle had been abandoned because it had remained at the property for several weeks.

Authorities say she contacted a person she knew about buying the vehicle.

Investigators allege Schmidt gave the buyer a handwritten note claiming she had authority to sell the vehicle.

Court records also state text messages showed Schmidt believed she could legally sell the vehicle because she considered it abandoned.

The complaint alleges she removed several items from the vehicle before it was taken away. Those items reportedly included a stereo and other vehicle parts.

Investigators further allege Schmidt later told the buyer she informed police he operated a tow yard. The buyer reportedly denied ever making that claim.

Court Proceedings Continue

The criminal complaint represents allegations made by prosecutors.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Additional hearings are expected in Clay County District Court.

More information about Minnesota court records is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

Minnesota theft laws can be reviewed through the Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.