Mahnomen County (https://trfnews.i234.me) – A 35-year-old woman from Detroit Lakes is facing a felony financial transaction card fraud charge after being identified on surveillance footage using a stolen casino-issued debit card at multiple gas stations.
According to a criminal complaint, on March 22, 2025, Raquel Jean Elsenpeter was seen with co-defendant Ernest Duane Clark Jr. using the card—which belonged to Derek Berg, a casino employee—to make over $320 in unauthorized purchases, including:
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$20 for gas at Pump 24 in Mahnomen
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$107.90 in-store at Pump 24 (blanket, food, and other items)
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$193.25 at the M&W gas station in Ogema
Berg told law enforcement he had lost his wallet, and when it was returned days later, $200 in cash and the casino card were missing. Deputies pulled surveillance video showing Elsenpeter and Clark Jr. using the card and traced the vehicle to Clark’s father.
Clark Jr. later admitted to using the card and claimed he bought it for $100 from someone named “Cindy Belcourt” (later suspected to be Cindy Bellanger). He told deputies Elsenpeter was with him during all purchases.
Elsenpeter is now charged with:
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Count I: Financial Transaction Card Fraud – Use Without Consent (Felony)
– Maximum penalty: 5 years in prison, $10,000 fine, or both
A summons has been issued for Elsenpeter’s appearance in Mahnomen County District Court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.