Baxter Man Faces Felony Meth Charge After Store Theft
Baxter, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — Dallas James Hatchard faces two charges following an alleged retail theft in Baxter.
The case includes felony fifth-degree drug possession and misdemeanor theft.
The incident happened August 26, 2026, according to a Crow Wing County criminal complaint.
Prosecutors allege police found about 5.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine after Hatchard was detained at a retail store.
Store Employee Reports Alleged Theft
Baxter police responded to a retail store on Dellwood Drive at about 8:01.
A loss prevention employee had detained Hatchard before police arrived, according to the complaint.
The employee reported seeing Hatchard conceal several items inside his pants.
Hatchard then allegedly left the store without paying for those items.
The merchandise was valued at $41.94, according to the complaint.
Police identified the suspect as Dallas James Hatchard of Pillager.
An officer then told Hatchard he was under arrest.
Suspected Meth Found During Search
Police searched Hatchard following the arrest, according to the complaint.
The complaint says an officer found a plastic baggie inside Hatchard’s pocket.
The baggie allegedly contained about 5.2 grams of a suspected controlled substance.
Authorities conducted a field test on the substance.
The complaint says the test returned a positive result for methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine is listed as a Schedule II controlled substance under Minnesota law.
Hatchard was transported to the Crow Wing County Jail after the arrest.
The complaint states he remained in custody when the case was filed.
Felony and Misdemeanor Charges Filed
Hatchard is charged with fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance.
The felony carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
It also carries a possible fine of up to $10,000.
Hatchard also faces a misdemeanor theft charge involving property valued at $500 or less.
That charge carries up to 90 days in jail.
It also carries a possible fine of up to $1,000.
Readers can review Minnesota’s fifth-degree drug law.
They can also review Minnesota’s theft statute.
Information about state courts is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
The charges are allegations. Hatchard is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
