East Grand Forks, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) A Grand Forks man is facing a felony charge in Polk County after prosecutors accused him of using store returns to take more than $1,000 from Cabela’s in East Grand Forks.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Minnesota District Court, Daniel Robert Nelson Jr., 40, is charged with theft by swindle. The charge alleges Nelson obtained $1,098.79 from Cabela’s between November 5, 2025, and November 10, 2025.
What Investigators Allege
The complaint says store staff reported several suspicious returns. An assistant manager told police the suspect entered the store, picked items from shelves, and then returned them at customer service.
Investigators later reviewed store surveillance and return records. The complaint says the first incident happened on November 5. Nelson allegedly entered the store with only a cellphone. He then went to the camping section, picked up two boxed items, and walked to customer service.
Prosecutors say he showed identification and received a gift card worth $241.68. The return receipt listed the refund under Daniel Nelson.
The second alleged incident happened on November 8. Court records say Nelson entered the store wearing the same sweatshirt seen earlier. He allegedly took one item from camping and another from fishing. He then went to customer service and received a second gift card.
That return was valued at $193.99, according to the complaint.
Cash Refund Alleged
The largest alleged refund happened on November 10. Prosecutors say Nelson entered the store in a red sweatshirt. He allegedly picked up one item in camping and two clothing items before heading to customer service.
The complaint says he exchanged four items and received $663.12 in cash. Receipt records again listed the refund under Dan Nelson.
Police compared the return information with local records, according to the complaint. Investigators said the address used during one return matched the address Nelson gave for probation records.
Charge Filed in Polk County
Nelson is charged under Minnesota’s theft by swindle law. You can read the statute here: Minnesota Statute 609.52.
The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. A criminal charge is only an accusation. Nelson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The complaint also states Nelson is facing a pending probation violation in Polk County tied to a prior felony motor vehicle theft case.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.