Former U.S. Bank Teller Accused of Stealing Nearly $41K From Minneapolis Branch
Published: October 1st, 2026.
MINNEAPOLIS MN: A former U.S. Bank teller is accused of stealing nearly $41K from a Minneapolis branch, including allegedly recording cash transfers to the bank's vault without actually putting the money inside, according to a Hennepin County criminal complaint.
Prosecutors allege Kendrell Lashawna Maliya Stuart, 25, stole approximately $40,999 in cash from the U.S. Bank branch located on 34th Avenue South in Minneapolis, where she worked.
According to the complaint, the bank discovered a $32,000 shortage in its cash vault on May 30, 2026. Two days later, the vault was reportedly missing another $1,000.
On June 5, Stuart reported that her assigned cashbox was short by approximately $2,000, the complaint alleges. Prosecutors say Stuart subsequently stopped reporting to work and requested a leave of absence.
During a June 9 audit, investigators allegedly discovered $6,000 in counterfeit bills described in the complaint as “motion picture money” that had been reported as mutilated currency in the vault. The discovery resulted in the vault being listed as another $6,000 short, according to the complaint.
Bank records and surveillance video allegedly showed Stuart entering transactions indicating that cash had been transferred from her assigned cashbox to the bank's vault without actually placing the physical cash into the vault.
The complaint states that Stuart had not returned to work as of July 29 and was terminated by U.S. Bank for alleged theft.
Investigators also reported that social media appeared to indicate Stuart was in the Bahamas, which the complaint describes as her native home.
Minneapolis police's Financial Crimes Unit received a report concerning the alleged theft on Aug. 19.
Prosecutors have requested a warrant in the case.
The allegations contained in a criminal complaint are accusations, and Stuart is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.