Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) — Two Becker County men now face felony charges after investigators linked them to an alleged forged check scheme worth about $18,000.
Dustin James Differding, 37, of rural Detroit Lakes, and Brandin Wassather, 46, of Frazee, were each charged in Becker County District Court. Each man faces one count of felony theft by swindle and one count of felony check forgery.
According to the criminal complaint, the case started on Nov. 12, 2025. That day, the owner of a tree removal service contacted the Becker County Sheriff’s Office. He reported fraudulent checks written on his business account at several places around Becker County.
What the complaint says
The business owner told investigators he paid both men in cash. He also said he had ordered checkbooks that never arrived. He believed the missing checks were taken from his mailbox or vehicle.
The owner said Differding had lived with him for about five years. When confronted, Differding allegedly admitted writing fraudulent checks at local bars. Those locations included Lean To Tavern in Bejou and Liquor Pigs in Winger. The complaint says Differding allegedly admitted responsibility for about $10,650 in bad checks.
The owner of Lean To Tavern allegedly identified Differding as the man who wrote checks there for cash. The complaint says Differding claimed he owned the tree service.
The business owner also told investigators that Differding was then living with Wassather in Perham. He said some forged checks were made out to Wassather and deposited at United Community Bank.
Bank video and court date
According to the complaint, bank security video showed Wassather depositing more than $4,000 in forged checks in Perham. Those deposits happened in September, October, and November 2025.
Investigators also reviewed video from the bank’s Frazee drive-through. The complaint says Wassather made several deposits there in October and November 2025. Differding was allegedly seen in the passenger seat. Those checks totaled about $6,600.
Wassather told investigators he believed Differding had permission to write the checks. He said Differding was often on the phone with the business owner while writing them. Later, the business owner told investigators he never gave Differding the checkbook. He also said Differding had no permission to write checks for any reason.
The first court appearance for both men is scheduled for May 7 in Becker County District Court.
The charges are allegations. Both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.