East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — A South Carolina man now faces a felony charge in Polk County after police said he was found in a stolen car in East Grand Forks.
According to a criminal complaint, Michael Jason Morgal, 42, was charged with possession of stolen property. The charge was filed in Polk County District Court. The case is listed under court file 60-CR-26-207.
What Happened
The complaint says the case started on February 15, 2026, at about 9:29 p.m. Police received a report that a 2006 white Chevrolet Cobalt LS had been stolen from Hugo’s in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Officers then looked for the vehicle in East Grand Forks. About 15 minutes later, police found the car parked at the old Burger King site at 926 Central Avenue NW.
Police said there was one person inside the vehicle. That person was identified as Michael Jason Morgal of Conway, South Carolina.
What Police Said
According to the complaint, Morgal was advised of his rights and agreed to speak with officers. Police said he admitted taking the car from Hugo’s in downtown Grand Forks.
The complaint says Morgal told officers he drove across the Kennedy Bridge into East Grand Forks. He also said he did not know the owner of the vehicle. Police wrote that he said, “I took the car.”
Investigators later spoke with the registered owner. The complaint says Morgal did not have permission to drive or possess the Chevrolet Cobalt.
The Charge
Morgal is charged under Minnesota’s stolen property law. That statute covers possessing property that a person knows, or should know, was stolen. You can read the law here: Minnesota Statute 609.53.
The complaint lists the charge as a felony. It carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
What Comes Next
Criminal charges are allegations only. Morgal is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. More case information can be found through the Ninth Judicial District and the East Grand Forks Police Department.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.