Beltrami County, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Robert James Quaas, a 56-year-old Bemidji man with a long history of theft and burglary convictions, is facing fresh charges after an alleged shoplifting incident at Walmart on April 29, 2025.
According to the complaint, Walmart Asset Protection staff witnessed Quaas enter the store with a DVD player secured with spider wire, only to exit the bathroom minutes later with the security device removed. He then walked past all points of sale without paying.
When approached, Quaas fled the scene on foot, but was quickly apprehended by Bemidji Police Sergeant Trent Senenfelder, who found a cutting pliers on Quaas during a pat-down.
He now faces:
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Felony possession of burglary or theft tools, and
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Misdemeanor theft under $500.
Quaas has an extensive criminal record, including multiple felony and misdemeanor convictions for theft, burglary, and receiving stolen property, stretching back nearly two decades.
If convicted, he could face up to 3 years in prison and a $5,000 fine for the felony charge.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.