Detroit Lakes Man Sentenced in Menards Theft Case
DETROIT LAKES (trfnews.i234.me) — Gary Lee Watson, 47, has been sentenced in a gross misdemeanor theft case.
The case involved merchandise taken from Menards in Detroit Lakes.
Watson received a 364-day jail sentence on April 27 in Becker County District Court.
The court stayed 361 days for two years.
Watson received credit for the three days already served.
Felony charges from a separate electric bicycle case were dismissed under a plea agreement.
Electric Bicycle Case
Court records say an electric bicycle was stolen during the early hours of August 5, 2025.
The theft happened near Washington Avenue and Holmes Street in Detroit Lakes.
The bicycle was a Himiway D5 ST all-terrain electric fat bike.
Court documents valued the bicycle at $2,299.
Investigators alleged that a lock was cut before the bicycle was taken.
On August 18, a Becker County deputy saw Watson riding another bicycle near M State.
The bicycle did not have illuminated lights, according to the records.
Watson reportedly matched the description of the person shown in surveillance footage.
He initially denied knowing about the missing electric bicycle.
After viewing surveillance images, Watson said he knew where the bicycle was located.
Court records say he led officers to grass near the Apex townhomes on Pelican Lane.
Officers recovered the bicycle there, according to the records.
Menards Theft Case
The plea agreement centered on a September 12, 2025, theft at Menards.
Store security detained Watson during that incident.
Watson produced a Bosch rechargeable battery and a Bosch cordless impact wrench.
Court records say he admitted intending to take both items.
Investigators also linked him to a multi-tool taken during an earlier store visit.
The combined value of the merchandise was listed at $519.99.
Minnesota law allows certain theft amounts within six months to be combined.
The resulting charge was handled as a gross misdemeanor.
Sentence and Restitution
Watson was ordered to pay about $933 in restitution.
He was also fined $150 and assessed $160 in court fees.
The court placed Watson on supervised probation for two years.
He must complete cognitive skills training.
He must also follow any required cognitive behavioral programming.
A gross misdemeanor can carry up to 364 days in jail.
It can also bring a fine of up to $3,000.
The sentence imposed here stayed for most of the jail term.
The dismissed felony counts did not result in convictions.
Court Information
The Becker County District Court is located in Detroit Lakes.
Minnesota Court Records Online provides access to many public court records.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.