Fergus Falls Ex-Casey’s Worker Faces Felony Theft

Fergus Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A former Casey’s employee faces a felony theft charge in Otter Tail County.

Kim Maralee Bechard is accused of taking cash while working as a cashier in Fergus Falls.

The alleged thefts occurred between September 1 and December 23, 2025.

The case was filed in Otter Tail County District Court.

Store Reports Thousands Missing

According to the complaint, Casey’s reported the matter to police on March 4, 2026.

The store had noticed unexpected financial losses during the final months of 2025.

An asset protection investigation later focused on Bechard, who had worked at the Union Avenue store.

Surveillance video allegedly showed Bechard placing money from a cash register into her pockets.

The complaint describes several incidents during November and December.

Investigators say Bechard met with company officials on December 23.

During that meeting, she allegedly acknowledged taking cash beginning in September.

The complaint says Bechard estimated at that time that she had taken about $4,500.

Casey’s later terminated her employment, according to court records.

Police interviewed Bechard again on March 9, according to the criminal complaint.

She allegedly admitted taking cash from the register on several occasions.

Bechard reportedly said she usually took $20 bills because they were common in the register.

She allegedly said the most she took at one time was about $60.

The complaint says she described taking money once or twice during some work weeks.

Bechard also explained how register money was placed into a counting safe after each shift.

However, she gave investigators a lower estimate of the total amount allegedly taken.

She reportedly said the actual amount was closer to between $1,000 and $1,500.

The complaint still charges the case as felony theft.

Bechard faces one felony count of theft without the owner’s consent.

The complaint lists a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

It also lists a possible fine of up to $10,000.

Public court information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The case is filed under court file number 56-CR-26-1691.

The charge and supporting statements are allegations and do not establish guilt.

Bechard is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.