East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — Rodrigo Rodriguez Jr., 45, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, is facing a felony theft charge in Polk County District Court.
The charge stems from an investigation at Hugo’s in East Grand Forks.
Court records list the case as 60-CR-25-724.
Rodriguez is charged with felony theft of property valued at more than $5,000.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
It also carries a possible $20,000 fine.
Hugo’s Investigation Led to a Charge
According to the complaint, Hugo’s asset protection staff investigated thefts involving employee Melissa Ann Vargas.
The investigation focused on liquor, cash, and other merchandise.
Staff later confronted Vargas at the East Grand Forks store.
The complaint says Vargas admitted stealing from Hugo’s stores in East Grand Forks and Grand Forks.
The total alleged loss was listed at $11,521.30.
Records show $8,763.66 was tied to the East Grand Forks store.
The Grand Forks store loss was listed at $2,757.64.
Complaint Cites Liquor And Store Video
During an interview, Vargas allegedly told police how Rodriguez was involved.
She said that when Rodriguez came into the store, she would pretend to scan liquor bottles.
She allegedly let him leave with liquor without paying.
Vargas also allegedly said she sometimes scanned items at lower prices.
Asset protection later reviewed surveillance video from Hugo’s in East Grand Forks.
The review found Rodriguez allegedly stole $6,804.87 in liquor and other property.
The alleged thefts happened from February 17, 2025, through April 17, 2025.
Investigators also searched Vargas’ vehicle and residence during the case.
The complaint says police found suspected methamphetamine, alcohol, THC gummies, and drug-related items.
Marissa Vargas Lund later turned over five bottles of liquor, according to the complaint.
Prosecutors Seek Aggravated Sentence
The complaint lists prior convictions for Rodriguez in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Texas.
Prosecutors filed notice that they may seek an aggravated sentence.
They cite career offender grounds and probation concerns.
The charge remains an allegation.
Rodriguez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More information about Minnesota court records is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Minnesota’s theft law is listed under Minnesota Statute 609.52.
Minnesota’s career offender law is listed under Minnesota Statute 609.1095.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
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