Detroit Lakes, Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) Prosecutors have charged three Fargo-area residents. The case involves alleged thefts at a Walmart in Detroit Lakes.
Raul Mario Salinas, 47, of Fargo, is charged with felony theft. Jeffery Soular, 34, of Fargo, faces the same charge. Melissa Nicole Ortiz, 34, of West Fargo, is also charged.
Dec. 13, 2025: Alleged theft over $5,000
Court records say the three entered the Detroit Lakes Walmart on Dec. 13, 2025. Records say they moved through the store as a group. Each person selected at least one plastic tote, according to the complaint.
Investigators say Ortiz staged a cart and left first. Records say she waited outside near the vehicle. A few minutes later, the men began consolidating items into totes, according to court filings.
Records say the men continued collecting merchandise across the store. One man then took Ortiz’s cart, records say. Investigators say both men pushed three carts out through a garden center fire exit. They did not pay, according to the complaint.
Authorities estimate the loss from Dec. 13 at about $5,077. The estimate comes from court records.
Oct. 28, 2025: Earlier alleged theft
The same defendants are also accused of a similar theft on Oct. 28, 2025. Court records estimate the loss at about $1,031.
Investigation and warrants
Court records say Walmart’s loss prevention in Dilworth assisted the investigation. The Fargo Police Department also helped identify the defendants.
Arrest warrants were issued on Jan. 2, 2026, in Becker County, court filings say.
Bail and next court dates
Soular posted $300 cash bail on Jan. 14, 2026, records say. Ortiz posted $300 cash bail on Jan. 16, 2026, records say. Both were released under standard conditions. Those conditions include no trespassing at the Detroit Lakes Walmart, court records say.
The next court appearances for Soular and Ortiz are set for Feb. 9, 2026. The hearing is scheduled before District Judge Gretchen D. Thilmony, according to court records.
Salinas was already wanted on two bench warrants for failure to appear, records say. Court records said he had not been located as of Feb. 5, 2026.
Readers can find general court information at the Minnesota Judicial Branch website. Public case lookup is also available through MCRO.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.