Grand Forks: Man Charged In Menards Return Scam

Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — A Grand Forks man faces a felony theft charge. Court records describe an alleged false return at Menards.

Court documents name the defendant as Daniel Robert Nelson, of Grand Forks.

Records say the incident happened on November 18, 2025, at the Menards store in Grand Forks.

What court records allege

Investigators say Nelson selected a paint sprayer valued at about $236.

Documents say he went straight to the customer service desk.

Records say he returned the paint sprayer without paying for it first.

Store staff reportedly issued store credit.

Court records say Nelson then used that store credit inside the store.

Documents say he picked up a skill saw and saw blades.

Records list the total at about $68.

Authorities say the sequence led to a theft report and a criminal case.

Prosecutors have filed a felony theft count in the case.

The filing describes the alleged conduct as a false return.

A felony charge is more serious than a misdemeanor charge.

If convicted, felony cases can carry tougher penalties.

Charging papers also mention prior theft cases in Nelson’s record.

Court filings describe a long history of theft-related charges.

Those references are part of the case paperwork.

A charge is not a conviction.

Nelson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The case will proceed in the Grand Forks County court system.

Future hearings may address release conditions, motions, and trial dates.

You can review public case information through the North Dakota Courts public search.

You can read the state theft law in the North Dakota Century Code.

Menards is a home improvement chain with posted policies at Menards.com.

Public court records can change as filings are added.

Some documents may be limited until they are formally entered.

Local agency information is available through the Grand Forks Police Department.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.