Man Charged In Dakota County Fleet Farm Tool Theft Case
Published: April 17th 2026
HASTINGS, MN: A man has been charged in Dakota County District Court in connection with multiple alleged thefts of tools from Fleet Farm in Hastings earlier this year.
According to the criminal complaint, Charles Michael Willmott is charged with felony theft involving property valued at more than $1,000 but not more than $5,000.
The complaint states that in January 2026, the Hastings Police Department investigated several incidents at the store.
On Jan. 7, 2026, prosecutors allege Willmott cut security tags off two tools and stole them. The tools were identified as a Milwaukee high-torque impact wrench and a Milwaukee brad nailer, totaling $1,178.
On Jan. 13, 2026, the complaint alleges Willmott cut a security tag off another Milwaukee high-torque impact wrench but abandoned the attempted theft after being confronted by a loss prevention employee.
On Feb. 1, 2026, police were reportedly notified that Willmott was selling various tools on a social media page. According to the complaint, investigators obtained a search warrant for the account and found multiple for-sale listings, including a Milwaukee high-torque impact wrench and a Milwaukee brad nailer.
The charge is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.