Moorhead Man Charged in Stolen Vehicle Case

Clay County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Moorhead man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say a stolen vehicle and stolen bicycles were found during an investigation.

Stolen Vehicle Investigation Leads to Charges

Richard Emil Heintzelman, 65, of Moorhead, has been charged in Clay County District Court with receiving stolen property.

Court documents state the charges stem from an incident reported on July 9, 2026, in Moorhead.

According to the criminal complaint, authorities responded to a garage on 28th Avenue South after a report of suspicious activity.

The complaint states a person reported smelling what appeared to be drug activity coming from inside the garage.

The people inside reportedly closed the garage door after noticing maintenance workers nearby.

Vehicle Found Inside Garage

When authorities arrived, Heintzelman reportedly said he was inside the garage with another person working on a vehicle.

Investigators said they observed used needles and drug-related items inside the garage.

The garage owner told authorities the vehicle inside did not belong to him.

The owner said he had allowed Heintzelman and another person to stay overnight in the garage.

Authorities were given permission to search the garage.

Richard Emil Heintzelman

Stolen Property Allegedly Located

During the search, investigators found a license plate that had been removed from the vehicle.

The plate was reported stolen from Fargo, according to the complaint.

The vehicle was later confirmed to be stolen from Fargo as well.

The complaint states that another person interviewed by authorities said she and Heintzelman arrived at the garage in the vehicle.

She reportedly told investigators the vehicle had been obtained about one day earlier.

The complaint states she knew the vehicle did not belong to Heintzelman and that it was stolen.

Bicycles Also Reported Stolen

Authorities also found two bicycles inside the garage.

Both bicycles were reportedly confirmed as stolen property.

The complaint states that one bicycle was connected to the other person involved.

Investigators said items belonging to both individuals were found inside the vehicle.

During questioning, Heintzelman first reportedly claimed the vehicle belonged to him.

The complaint states he later changed his statement and said the vehicle was not his.

Court Charges

Heintzelman is charged with felony receiving stolen property involving the motor vehicle.

The felony charge carries a possible maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

He also faces a misdemeanor charge of receiving stolen property involving a bicycle.

The misdemeanor charge carries a possible maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

All charges are allegations, and Heintzelman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

For more Minnesota court and public safety news, visit TRF News.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.