Fergus Falls<\/strong> (trfnews.i234.me<\/a>) \u2014 A former Casey’s employee faces a felony theft charge in Otter Tail County.<\/p>\n Kim Maralee Bechard is accused of taking cash while working as a cashier in Fergus Falls.<\/p>\n The alleged thefts occurred between September 1 and December 23, 2025.<\/p>\n The case was filed in Otter Tail County District Court.<\/p>\n According to the complaint, Casey’s reported the matter to police on March 4, 2026.<\/p>\n The store had noticed unexpected financial losses during the final months of 2025.<\/p>\n An asset protection investigation later focused on Bechard, who had worked at the Union Avenue store.<\/p>\n Surveillance video allegedly showed Bechard placing money from a cash register into her pockets.<\/p>\n The complaint describes several incidents during November and December.<\/p>\n Register shortages on those days reportedly ranged from about $85 to $116.<\/p>\n Investigators say Bechard met with company officials on December 23.<\/p>\n During that meeting, she allegedly acknowledged taking cash beginning in September.<\/p>\n The complaint says Bechard estimated at that time that she had taken about $4,500.<\/p>\n Casey’s later terminated her employment, according to court records.<\/p>\n Police interviewed Bechard again on March 9, according to the criminal complaint.<\/p>\n She allegedly admitted taking cash from the register on several occasions.<\/p>\n Bechard reportedly said she usually took $20 bills because they were common in the register.<\/p>\n She allegedly said the most she took at one time was about $60.<\/p>\n The complaint says she described taking money once or twice during some work weeks.<\/p>\n Bechard also explained how register money was placed into a counting safe after each shift.<\/p>\n However, she gave investigators a lower estimate of the total amount allegedly taken.<\/p>\n She reportedly said the actual amount was closer to between $1,000 and $1,500.<\/p>\n The complaint still charges the case as felony theft.<\/p>\n Bechard faces one felony count of theft without the owner’s consent.<\/p>\n The complaint lists a maximum sentence of five years in prison.<\/p>\n It also lists a possible fine of up to $10,000.<\/p>\n Readers can review Minnesota’s theft statute<\/a>.<\/p>\n Public court information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The case is filed under court file number 56-CR-26-1691.<\/p>\n The charge and supporting statements are allegations and do not establish guilt.<\/p>\n Bechard is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.<\/p>\nStore Reports Thousands Missing<\/h2>\n
Bechard Gives Lower Estimate<\/h2>\n
Felony Charge Filed<\/h2>\n