Thief River Falls, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – On April 9, 2022, police received a report of theft at Walmart involving Tanner Eithan Smith, 28, and Heidi Marie Flatland, 28, both from Thief River Falls. Smith was charged with felony aiding and abetting felony theft, while Flatland faced gross misdemeanor aiding and abetting gross misdemeanor theft. The charges were filed on April 23, 2024, after a review and reassignment of the case.
Allegations:
- Walmart employees observed Smith and Flatland failing to scan merchandise at self-checkout in March and April 2022.
- They were stopped before leaving the store and were found not paying for approximately $50 worth of merchandise.
- Both individuals were identified in surveillance photos.
- Smith allegedly failed to scan items on nine occasions, totaling $1,139.37, while Flatland failed to scan items on seven occasions, totaling $844.89.
- Smith denied the thefts, claiming it was a mistake and intending to speak with Walmart.