Former Target Employee Charged in Dakota County Theft Case Involving More Than $2,000 in Merchandise
Published: April 4, 2026
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - A former employee of Target is facing a felony theft charge after authorities allege she stole more than $2,000 worth of merchandise from the store over a period of several weeks.
According to a criminal complaint summons filed March 31, 2026, in Dakota County District Court, Ashley Yahaira Chauca, 23, of Crystal, Minnesota, has been charged with one count of Theft (Aggregating) over $1,000 and up to $5,000, a felony under Minnesota law.
Allegations and Investigation
The complaint states that the alleged thefts occurred between November 19, 2025, and January 1, 2026, at one of the Target stores in Apple Valley, Minnesota, where Chauca was employed at the time. The investigation began on January 1, 2026, when a loss-prevention employee contacted the Apple Valley Police Department about suspected ongoing internal theft.
According to court documents, loss prevention conducted an internal review and identified Chauca as a suspect. The investigation determined that approximately $2,189 in merchandise had been taken during the timeframe. Surveillance video allegedly showed Chauca placing store merchandise with her personal belongings. She was then observed leaving the store at the end of her shifts without paying for the items.
Authorities say the loss prevention employee provided both surveillance footage and a written confession signed by Chauca. Following the investigation, Chauca spoke with law enforcement after being advised of her rights. According to the complaint, she admitted to taking merchandise without paying.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Chauca is charged under Minnesota Statute 609.52, which covers theft offenses. Because the total value of the alleged stolen merchandise falls between $1,000 and $5,000, the charge is classified as a felony.
If convicted, she faces:
Up to 5 years in prison, and/or
Fines ranging from $3,000 to $10,000
As with all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Their first appearance is set for May 5, 2026 at 9 AM in Hastings, Minnesota.
Written by: Will Wight
