Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) – A man from Bemidji is facing a misdemeanor theft charge after allegedly stealing more than $250 worth of merchandise from Walmart in coordination with a juvenile.
According to the criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County, Vance James Benais, born April 4, 2001, is accused of entering Walmart on October 15, 2023, and committing an orchestrated shoplifting incident. Benais allegedly tried on a black vest without removing it, then, alongside the juvenile, selected jewelry and concealed it in his backpack while in the women’s boot aisle.
The two separated, and Benais moved to the men’s section, where he reportedly bundled and concealed multiple shirts both in his backpack and on his person. He then placed a boot box in an empty Walmart bag at the self-checkout register 13, without paying for any of the items, and attempted to exit the store.
Walmart staff intercepted Benais after he passed all points of sale. The total value of the stolen items was $253.30.
Benais is charged under Minnesota Statute 609.52.2(a)(1) and faces up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine if convicted.
Charges Filed:
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.