Frazee (trfnews.i234.me) — Alejandro Dean Alaniz, 19, of rural Frazee, has been charged in Becker County District Court.
Alaniz faces one felony count of financial transaction card fraud.
According to court records, the case involves a credit card owned by a Richville woman.
The card was allegedly used for purchases in Frazee and Detroit Lakes.
The reported purchases happened from Sept. 22 through Oct. 2, 2025.
Court records say about two dozen purchases were made during that time.
The total value was listed at about $912.
Surveillance Video Cited In Case
Alaniz was identified as a suspect through surveillance video at a Frazee retailer.
Authorities later contacted Alaniz by phone.
According to court records, Alaniz said he felt guilty about what happened.
He also said he wanted to make things right.
Alaniz allegedly told authorities he found the debit card in a lost and found.
He said the card was found at Dollar General in Frazee.
Purchases Reported In Two Cities
Court records say Alaniz admitted using the card several times.
The purchases were allegedly made in both Frazee and Detroit Lakes.
Named locations included McDonald’s, Casey’s, Holiday, All In All, Frazee 2 Family Foods, and CVS Pharmacy.
Alaniz allegedly said he wanted to pay restitution.
He also told authorities he would turn over the card the next day.
Authorities later met Alaniz at a residence in Frazee.
At that meeting, he turned over a blue debit card.
The card had the Richville woman’s name on it, according to court records.
Alaniz again apologized for what happened, according to the complaint.
He estimated he spent about $700 on the card.
Court Date Scheduled
Alaniz’s first court appearance is scheduled for May 14.
The hearing is set before District Judge Michelle W. Lawson.
A criminal charge is not a conviction.
Alaniz is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More information about Minnesota courts is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
Local county information is available through Becker County.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
