Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) – A Fargo man has been charged in Pennington County District Court after police say he carried out a three-part theft scheme at the Thief River Falls Walmart totaling more than $1,160.
Ronald Maurice Smith, 68, has been charged with felony theft. He has been summoned to appear in court.
According to the criminal complaint, Walmart staff contacted Thief River Falls Police at about 4:14 p.m. on October 18 after an employee attempted to stop a suspected shoplifter who then left the store and drove away.
The employee reported that the man had been switching UPC tickets to pay lower prices for items. During the encounter, the suspect allegedly handed over a driver’s license belonging to Smith. A review of transactions showed that the same tactic was used on September 14, September 27, and October 18, resulting in $1,160.94 in total losses.
Police learned from Walmart staff that some employees believed Smith worked as a physician at Sanford Health. Officers later located the suspect’s vehicle in the Sanford Clinic parking lot. The vehicle was registered to a revocable trust with names believed to be relatives of Smith.
When officers spoke to Smith, he allegedly claimed there had been an “error” at the register and that a Walmart employee acted “crazy” when he tried to correct it. Smith said he removed a piece of paper from a pack of index cards to write a note after receiving a call, and insisted he scanned all items in his cart.
Smith reportedly said he offered to rescan items if there was a mistake, but the employee refused and instead took him to an office. Smith told officers he panicked when he learned law enforcement was being called, saying that he was a physician with a decades-long career and feared the situation would “ruin” him.
When questioned about the two earlier incidents, Smith allegedly changed his explanation, saying he had made a mistake and would pay for everything. The sergeant told him it was too late. According to the complaint, Smith eventually admitted “he had done something wrong” and blamed stress at work.
Smith recalled failing to scan items such as automotive products and a buffer, which was the most expensive item. He said he left Walmart because he was nervous and worried about his career.
Smith apologized and told police he wanted “to make things right” and valued his profession.
Court records for this case are available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
