Felony Theft Complaint Filed<\/h2>\n
According to a criminal complaint filed in Clay County District Court, Sherry Ann Schmidt<\/strong>, of Fergus Falls, has been charged with one felony count and one misdemeanor count of theft.<\/p>\n The felony charge alleges Schmidt intentionally took, transferred, or sold a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.<\/p>\n The misdemeanor charge alleges Schmidt also took or transferred other movable property without permission. That offense carries a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.<\/p>\n Court documents state the vehicle owner left the vehicle with grandparents during February 2026.<\/p>\n The owner later returned and discovered the vehicle was gone.<\/p>\n Investigators allege Schmidt, the owner’s mother, sold the vehicle without first receiving permission from the legal owner.<\/p>\n The complaint says the vehicle was sold for $100 to a buyer identified only by initials in court records.<\/p>\n The buyer reportedly towed the vehicle away because it was not running. Court documents state the transmission was broken.<\/p>\n According to the complaint, Schmidt told investigators she believed the vehicle had been abandoned because it had remained at the property for several weeks.<\/p>\n Authorities say she contacted a person she knew about buying the vehicle.<\/p>\n Investigators allege Schmidt gave the buyer a handwritten note claiming she had authority to sell the vehicle.<\/p>\n Court records also state text messages showed Schmidt believed she could legally sell the vehicle because she considered it abandoned.<\/p>\n The complaint alleges she removed several items from the vehicle before it was taken away. Those items reportedly included a stereo and other vehicle parts.<\/p>\n Investigators further allege Schmidt later told the buyer she informed police he operated a tow yard. The buyer reportedly denied ever making that claim.<\/p>\n The criminal complaint represents allegations made by prosecutors.<\/p>\n All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n Additional hearings are expected in Clay County District Court.<\/p>\n More information about Minnesota court records is available through the\u00a0Minnesota Judicial Branch<\/a>.<\/p>\n Minnesota theft laws can be reviewed through the\u00a0Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes<\/a>.<\/p>\nVehicle Reported Missing<\/h2>\n
Investigation Details<\/h2>\n
Court Proceedings Continue<\/h2>\n
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