Man Charged in Dakota County in Connection With Alleged West St. Paul Jewelry Store Theft
Published: April 22nd 2026
WEST SAINT PAUL: A 60-year-old man has been charged in Dakota County in connection with an alleged theft at a jewelry store in West St. Paul, according to a criminal complaint.
Donald Raymond Yancy (DOB 02/28/1966) is accused of taking a wedding band display board valued at $1,348.99.
According to the criminal complaint, West St. Paul police officers were dispatched at approximately 12:59 p.m. on April 22, 2026, for a report of suspicious activity at a jewelry store. An employee reported that Yancy had entered the store to have a watch repaired, paid in cash, and left. He later returned and stated he had left his wallet behind; store staff advised that no wallet had been located. The complaint states Yancy became agitated and left the store.
At approximately 1:24 p.m., officers were called back to the store after Yancy returned. Officers spoke with him outside, where he stated he needed his watch fixed again and believed he may have lost his wallet on a bus. He was advised not to reenter the store, according to the complaint.
At approximately 1:43 p.m., store employees again contacted police to report a missing display of wedding bands. The complaint states an employee observed Yancy on surveillance video reaching over a display case and appearing to place an item under his shirt before later placing it into a backpack. After Yancy left the store, employees determined the wedding band display board was missing. One ring from the display was found on the floor near the checkout counter.
Officers later located and arrested Yancy. According to the complaint, the wedding band display board was recovered from his backpack.
Charges are allegations, and Yancy is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.