Becker County, MN – A Fargo man has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony financial transaction card fraud after being caught making unauthorized purchases in Detroit Lakes.
According to court records, on September 12, 2023, a Detroit Lakes man reported unauthorized charges on his credit card after realizing he had lost his wallet while staying at a local hotel.
The man’s credit card company, Discover, flagged a $528.11 attempted transaction at Walmart, which was ultimately canceled. However, a further review of his purchase history revealed two successful fraudulent transactions:
- $40 spent at North Shore Travel Plaza
- $419.29 spent at Walmart in Detroit Lakes
Authorities reviewed video surveillance from North Shore Plaza, which identified Scott Richard Keeney, 39, of Fargo, as the suspect. Keeney was seen driving a car borrowed from his landlord and had reportedly quit his job in Detroit Lakes the same day the fraudulent transactions occurred.
Sentencing Details
On January 30, 2025, Becker County Judge Gretchen Thilmony sentenced Keeney to:
✅ 13 months in prison at St. Cloud (sentence stayed for five years)
✅ 20 days of home detention/electronic monitoring (at his own expense)
✅ $1,000 fine plus $150 in court fees
✅ Five years of supervised probation
Additionally, Keeney must:
🔹 Refrain from alcohol and drug use
🔹 Complete a comprehensive assessment and follow all aftercare recommendations
🔹 Undergo cognitive skills training
🔹 Participate in behavioral interventions and programming as directed by probation
Keeney received one day of credit for time served.
For the latest crime updates in the region, I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News