Minneapolis Man Found Guilty in Dakota County Identity Theft Case
EAGAN, MINNESOTA: A Minneapolis man has been convicted in Dakota County District Court for his role in an identity theft scheme that defrauded victims and a White Bear Lake car dealership out of tens of thousands of dollars.
According to court records, Yonis Sheik Maalin, 39, of Minneapolis, was charged in July 2023 with Identity Theft (over $2,500 or 4–7 direct victims) and Third-Degree Burglary. The charges stemmed from an investigation launched in March 2023, following an Eagan resident's report of fraudulent activity on their financial accounts.
Investigators determined that Maalin used a stolen identity to secure a $44,000 auto loan through Chase Bank, which was then used to purchase a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee from Walser Polar Chevrolet in White Bear Lake. In addition, $1,000 was withdrawn from the victim’s personal checking account, and a dealership-issued check was fraudulently cashed at a Walmart in Red Wing.
During a search of the Jeep, officers discovered multiple pieces of evidence linking Maalin to the fraud, including checks belonging to the victim, a falsified Minnesota identification card with his photograph, documents in Maalin’s name, personal items of other individuals, and a construction-style jacket matching surveillance footage. Surveillance video also showed Maalin breaking into an Eagan apartment building on February 14, 2023, and attempting to enter vehicles in the underground garage. Mail and checks belonging to another Eagan victim were later found inside the Jeep.
Sentencing
On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Judge Christopher Bates sentenced Maalin on the charge of identity theft. Although initially charged at the felony level, Maalin ultimately received a gross misdemeanor sentence following a downward departure under Minnesota’s Sentencing Guidelines.
Jail Time: 242 days in the Dakota County Jail, with credit for 242 days already served.
Probation: 2 years of supervised probation through Dakota County Community Corrections.
Restitution: $1,000 to the victims, with restitution left open for further determination.
Fines/Fees: $1,155 in court-related fees and surcharges.
Conditions: Maalin must undergo chemical dependency and diagnostic assessments, remain law-abiding, abstain from alcohol and controlled substances (except prescribed medications), and have no contact with the victims or Walser Polar Chevrolet.
The burglary charge was dismissed as part of the sentencing agreement.
Departure Report
A departure report filed with the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission indicates that the court imposed a downward dispositional departure, resulting in a conversion of the felony conviction to a gross misdemeanor sentence. Judge Bates indicated that Maalin would be particularly amenable to probation and treatment, favoring rehabilitation over a longer prison term.
Provided by the Dakota County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight
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