Bemidji Walmart Theft Leads To Felony Charge

Bemidji Walmart Theft Leads To Felony Charge

Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Cass Lake man is facing a felony charge after a reported shoplifting incident at a Bemidji Walmart, according to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court.

Lowell Reed Fisher, 39, of Cass Lake, is charged with failing to meet predatory offender registration rules. He also faces a misdemeanor theft charge.

The case was filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. The court file number is 04-CR-26-1138.

Walmart Incident Reported In Bemidji

According to the complaint, the case began on May 17, 2026, at the Walmart at 2025 Paul Bunyan Drive NW in Bemidji.

A Walmart employee, Kerry Twa, reported that Fisher brought a bag into the store. The complaint says Fisher placed food items inside the bag.

Authorities allege Fisher then passed all points of sale without paying. Store video reportedly confirmed the account.

The complaint states Fisher told authorities he took the food because he was hungry. The stolen items were recovered and returned to Walmart.

Registry Compliance Allegation

A records check showed Fisher was listed as non-compliant with Minnesota’s predatory offender registry, according to the complaint.

Authorities later reviewed Fisher’s registry file. The complaint says Fisher was required to register as a predatory offender.

Fisher had registered as homeless in Cass Lake starting January 10, 2026. That status required weekly homeless check-ins.

The complaint says Fisher was marked non-compliant on March 20, 2026. Prosecutors allege his last check-in was March 2, 2026.

During transport, Fisher claimed he had been in prison during the non-compliance period. He also claimed he checked in weekly with the Cass Lake Sheriff’s Office.

Charges And Possible Penalties

The felony count is listed under Minnesota Statute 243.166. The complaint lists a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

The theft count is listed under Minnesota Statute 609.52. The complaint lists a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

Beltrami County District Court handles criminal cases filed in the county. More court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

The complaint also notes a prior conviction for second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a victim under 16.

A criminal complaint is not a conviction. Fisher is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.