BECKER COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A Moorhead man has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for his role in a copper theft case near Detroit Lakes.
According to court records, Andrew James Varno, 27, of Moorhead, was sentenced for felony receiving stolen property. A separate felony theft charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
The case began on February 8, 2024, when a Becker County deputy responded to a report of a copper theft at a residence on Carefree Lane, about one mile east of Detroit Lakes. The homeowner said she left her home around 11 p.m. and returned at 3:30 a.m. to find a large amount of copper missing from her garage.
On February 9, an investigator with the Becker County Sheriff’s Office learned that the stolen copper had been sold for scrap at EMR Recycling in Fargo. Recycling center staff confirmed that Varno had turned in the copper, valued at $1,688.50. Photos from EMR matched the stolen material.
The next day, deputies spoke again with the victim, who reported finding a casino card bearing Varno’s name in her driveway.
On August 19, Becker County District Judge Gretchen D. Thilmony issued a stay of imposition. If Varno completes probation, the felony will be reduced to a misdemeanor.
He was sentenced to 94 days in jail, with credit for time served. Varno must also pay $1,688 in restitution, a $1,000 fine, and $160 in court fees. He was placed on supervised probation for five years and must complete several treatment and behavioral programs, including cognitive skills training and substance assessments. He is barred from contacting the victim and must stay sober and medication compliant.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Andrew James Varno