BELTRAMI COUNTY, MN. (trfnews.i234.me) –
A Beltrami County woman, already facing felony animal mistreatment charges, is now accused of felony theft after an investigation uncovered alleged financial exploitation.
According to court documents, while authorities were executing a search warrant related to the mistreatment and deaths of hundreds of animals, they also found Debra Marshall’s sister, who was unable to care for herself.
Financial Exploitation Allegations
Investigators discovered that Marshall’s sister was receiving social security benefits, but a review of her banking history revealed that her money had been spent on expenses unrelated to her well-being.
Authorities say financial records showed:
- A $1,500 credit card advance transferred to Debra Marshall’s bank account
- Funds used for an Elastic Line of Credit, which Marshall admitted was used to pay for her mother’s funeral
- Additional withdrawals used to pay for:
- A four-wheeler payment
- Pet expenses
- Car payments
- Marshall’s mortgage
- Credit card debts and payments
Court Appearance and Bail Conditions
Marshall appeared in court on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, where her bail was set at $30,000 without conditions or $0 if she agreed to have no contact with the victim and to stay in contact with her attorney.
She is scheduled to appear in court again on March 13, 2025.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News