BEMIDJI, MN – (trfnews.i234.me) – A Bemidji man faces a gross misdemeanor theft charge after allegedly stealing hundreds of dollars in merchandise from Kohl’s.
Kenneth Colter Christian Luzius, 36, of Bemidji, is accused of taking approximately $626 in merchandise from the department store.
The alleged theft occurred July 6, 2026, at Kohl’s, located at 1401 Paul Bunyan Drive NW in Bemidji.
According to a Beltrami County criminal complaint, surveillance cameras captured the suspect removing shoes from their boxes and hiding merchandise inside a shopping bag.
Police Respond to Reported Shoplifting
At approximately 9:32 a.m., Bemidji police responded to Kohl’s following a report of shoplifting.
Store employees reported that the suspected shoplifter had already left the business.
The responding officer searched for the individual but was unable to locate him.
Store loss prevention personnel later provided investigators with a detailed report, surveillance footage, and photographs.
The materials were reviewed as police worked to identify the person responsible.
Suspect Allegedly Concealed Shoes in Shopping Bag
According to the criminal complaint, surveillance footage showed the suspect inside Kohl’s around 9:23 a.m.
Loss prevention employees reportedly observed him removing multiple pairs of shoes from their original boxes.
The suspect then allegedly concealed the shoes inside a reusable TJ Maxx shopping bag.
Investigators said he continued selecting additional merchandise from the men’s department.
At approximately 9:31 a.m., the suspect allegedly exited the store without attempting to pay.
The store calculated the total value of the missing merchandise at $626.
Surveillance Images Help Identify Suspect
After reviewing the store’s evidence, the responding officer distributed photographs and information to other Bemidji police personnel.
According to the complaint, two officers recognized the individual shown in the surveillance materials.
They identified the suspect as Kenneth Colter Christian Luzius.
Investigators used that identification as part of the case submitted for prosecution.
The complaint does not describe an arrest at the store or indicate that the merchandise was recovered.
Gross Misdemeanor Theft Charge Filed
Prosecutors charged Luzius with one count of theft under Minnesota Statute 609.52, subdivision 2(a)(1).
The charge alleges he intentionally took merchandise without the owner’s permission and intended to permanently deprive the store of it.
Because the alleged value exceeded $500 but did not exceed $1,000, prosecutors classified the offense as a gross misdemeanor.
If convicted, Luzius could face up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The potential punishment is the statutory maximum, not a sentence imposed by the court.
Case Filed in Beltrami County District Court
The criminal complaint was filed in Beltrami County District Court under case number 04-CR-26-1812.
The complaint was issued with a summons.
Court documents also reference previous theft convictions and other criminal matters involving Luzius.
Those earlier cases are separate from the current shoplifting allegation.
The supplied complaint does not establish the outcome of the new case.
Additional information about Minnesota theft laws is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Public court information can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Luzius is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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