Bemidji Woman Charged in $457.72 Walmart Theft
Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — Krysta Lynne King-Merrick faces a misdemeanor theft charge in Beltrami County.
The charge follows an investigation into several transactions at a Bemidji Walmart.
Prosecutors allege King-Merrick took merchandise worth $457.72 between March 8 and April 18, 2026.
The complaint alleges she used cheaper UPC codes while using self-checkout registers.
King-Merrick is charged with theft involving movable property without the owner’s consent.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail.
A conviction could also result in a fine of up to $1,000.
April Transaction Leads To Investigation
The investigation began after a reported shoplifting incident on April 18.
Police were called to Walmart at about 3:19 p.m., according to the complaint.
Store security identified King-Merrick as the customer involved.
The complaint alleges she placed cheaper UPC codes over original product codes.
She also allegedly bundled merchandise together and scanned fewer items than she possessed.
The store reported $62.46 in unpaid merchandise from that transaction.
Investigators then reviewed surveillance footage from earlier visits, according to court records.
Earlier Transactions Reviewed
The complaint describes three additional Walmart transactions involving King-Merrick.
On March 8, the store reported $15.15 in allegedly unpaid merchandise.
A March 10 transaction allegedly involved merchandise valued at $324.24.
Another transaction occurred on April 5, according to the complaint.
That visit allegedly involved $55.87 in merchandise that was not properly paid for.
Prosecutors allege similar self-checkout methods were used during each visit.
The reported total from all four dates was $457.72.
Case Filed In Beltrami County
The charge is filed under Minnesota Statute 609.52.
The case is listed as Beltrami County court file 04-CR-26-1951.
The complaint was issued with a summons.
Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court.
King-Merrick is presumed innocent unless and until she is proven guilty.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
