MERRIFIELD, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Dollar General store manager faces a felony theft charge after investigators reported approximately $6,595 missing from the business.
Amber Fay Mattson, 33, of Brainerd, was charged in Crow Wing County District Court.
According to the criminal complaint, Mattson allegedly took money from the Dollar General store in Merrifield.
The alleged thefts occurred between late 2025 and February 2026.
Missing Store Deposits Raise Concerns
The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the reported employee theft on February 11, 2026.
A Dollar General asset protection manager contacted authorities about missing money and unusual bank deposits.
According to court documents, Mattson was responsible for bringing the store’s daily deposits to the bank.
Company officials discovered several deposits had been made late.
Investigators also learned that a required deposit was not made on January 20, 2026.
These concerns prompted a closer review of the store’s financial records.
Three Deposit Bags Found Cut Open
On February 11, the company’s asset protection manager visited the Merrifield store.
During the visit, the manager discovered three deposit bags that had been cut open after being sealed.
According to the complaint, opening sealed deposit bags violated Dollar General company policy.
The company considered the damaged bags a possible sign of theft.
An audit was conducted to determine how much money was missing.
Investigators reported approximately $6,595 missing between November 27, 2025, and February 11, 2026.
Mattson Allegedly Admits Taking Money
According to the criminal complaint, company officials questioned Mattson about the missing deposits.
Mattson reportedly admitted taking money from the business.
She also signed a written statement acknowledging the alleged theft.
The complaint says Mattson explained she had fallen behind on personal bills.
She reportedly said she intended to repay the money.
The written statement acknowledged approximately $6,595 in missing funds, according to investigators.
Deputies Interview Store Manager
Investigators also interviewed Mattson on February 11.
According to court records, she again admitted taking money because she was behind on bills.
Mattson reportedly estimated that she had taken money approximately ten times.
She told investigators she would take about $300 during those incidents.
However, she believed the total amount she took was less than $6,595.
The complaint does not explain the difference between her estimate and the company’s audit.
Felony Theft Charge Carries Possible Prison Time
Prosecutors charged Mattson with felony theft under Minnesota Statute 609.52.
The charge alleges property valued at more than $5,000 was taken without the owner’s consent.
A conviction could result in up to 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both.
The case is filed under Crow Wing County District Court number 18-CR-26-3877.
Additional case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The criminal complaint contains one felony theft count.
Mattson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
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