Published: October 26, 2026
BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA: A 36-year-old Minneapolis woman is facing a felony theft charge in Dakota County after authorities say she attempted to leave a Burnsville Walmart with more than $2,200 in unpaid merchandise concealed inside a shopping cart, including items hidden in a trash can.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court, Marquita Yvonne Maxwell, 36, allegedly attempted to steal approximately $2,225.83 worth of merchandise from the Burnsville store on July 18, 2026. Store employees intercepted Maxwell before she could leave with the merchandise, prompting her to abandon the shopping cart and flee, investigators allege. Court records indicate Maxwell has faced numerous other theft-related charges in multiple Minnesota counties, including several felony cases. Prosecutors also cited previous convictions for felony theft and fleeing police in motor vehicles.
Maxwell is charged with one count of felony theft involving property valued at more than $1,000 but not more than $5,000, an offense punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
Alleged Theft at Burnsville Walmart
According to the statement of probable cause, Maxwell entered the Burnsville store at approximately 6:17 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Investigators allege Maxwell began filling a shopping cart with merchandise, including a black trash can. While moving through the store, she allegedly placed additional items inside the trash can before replacing its lid, concealing the merchandise inside.
The complaint states Maxwell continued through the store and passed all final points of sale without paying or attempting to pay for the merchandise. As Maxwell attempted to leave, a store employee stopped her and requested a receipt for the items in her cart. According to the complaint, Maxwell could not produce a receipt. The employee then attempted to escort Maxwell toward the store's customer service area to address the unpaid merchandise. However, investigators allege Maxwell repeatedly attempted to push the shopping cart past the employee rather than accompany the employee to customer service.
According to the complaint, Maxwell made several unsuccessful attempts to maneuver the cart around the employee. After being unable to proceed with the merchandise, Maxwell allegedly abandoned the shopping cart and fled the store. Store personnel subsequently determined that the merchandise left in the cart had a total value of approximately $2,225.83.
The criminal complaint does not indicate that Maxwell physically assaulted the employee or that anyone was injured during the confrontation.
Investigation Connects Suspect to Other Alleged Retail Thefts
The Burnsville Police Department was dispatched to the store on July 21, 2026, three days after the alleged theft, following a report of the incident. During the investigation, officers identified Maxwell as the suspected individual involved in the July 18th incident.
According to the complaint, investigators established her identity because she had previously been identified as a suspect in several theft incidents involving the same retail chain at locations in multiple Minnesota cities. A separate incident in Eden Prairie on July 20, 2026, reportedly helped investigators confirm her identity.
The complaint states officers stopped and identified Maxwell during the Eden Prairie incident, allowing Burnsville investigators to connect her to the earlier theft allegation. Maxwell was subsequently charged with aiding and abetting felony theft in connection with the Eden Prairie incident under Hennepin County Court File. The complaint does not provide additional details about the circumstances of the Eden Prairie case, the merchandise allegedly involved, or Maxwell's specific alleged role.
Prosecutors Cite Multiple Pending Criminal Cases
In an August 10, 2026, court filing, prosecutors identified several other criminal cases involving Maxwell that were pending at the time. The cases included felony and misdemeanor theft allegations, burglary, obstruction of legal process, fleeing police, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
According to the prosecutor's filing, Maxwell had the following pending cases, which we have since updated based on court records as of October 26, 2026.
The graphic provides an overview of Marquita Yvonne Maxwell’s other criminal cases across Minnesota, including charges, convictions, dismissals, expungement notices, and upcoming court proceedings, based on court records available as of October 26, 2026.
Previous Felony Convictions
In addition to the pending cases, prosecutors identified three previous felony convictions in Maxwell's criminal history. According to the August 10 filing, those convictions included:
Hennepin County - Felony theft
Hennepin County - Felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle
Hennepin County - Felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle
The prosecutor's filing described these convictions as part of Maxwell's criminal history but did not provide the underlying circumstances, sentencing details, or conviction dates. The filing also indicated that the listed convictions were not necessarily an exhaustive account of her criminal history.
Court Orders Maxwell to Stay Away From Dakota County Walmart Stores
Court documents dated October 20, 2026, show that Maxwell was granted the option to be released without posting bail, provided she complies with several court-ordered conditions. Alternatively, the court authorized release upon posting $10,000 in bail or bond without conditions.
Under the conditional release order, Maxwell must complete the booking process, remain law-abiding, attend all future court appearances, and keep the court or her attorney informed of her current address. One condition specifically prohibits Maxwell from entering Walmart stores throughout Dakota County. The restriction extends beyond the Burnsville location where the alleged July 18th theft occurred.
The court's release order warns that violating its conditions could result in arrest, forfeiture of bail or bond, additional criminal charges, or contempt of court. The October 20th order establishes the terms under which Maxwell may be released. Limitless Media News checked Dakota County Jail records, and it appears she is no longer being held there.
Next Court Appearance Scheduled for January 2027
According to the October 20th release order filed in Dakota County District Court, Maxwell's next scheduled appearance is an omnibus hearing on January 5, 2027, at 1:30 p.m., before District Court Judge Bryce A.D. Ehrman. An omnibus hearing is a pretrial proceeding in Minnesota criminal cases during which the court may address legal issues, evidentiary matters, motions, and other questions that could affect how a case proceeds toward trial.
Maxwell's current charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.52, which addresses theft offenses. The charge alleges that she intentionally took or attempted to retain another person's property without consent and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. The merchandise value, approximately $2,225.83, places the alleged offense in the felony theft category for property worth more than $1,000 but not more than $5,000.
Although prosecutors have cited Maxwell's prior convictions and pending criminal cases, the court must separately determine her guilt or innocence in the Burnsville case. The court documents provided do not establish that Maxwell has entered a plea or that a trial date has been scheduled.
Maxwell is presumed innocent of the current charge unless and until proven guilty in court.
Provided by Hennepin County Jail from a July 20, 2026 arrest by Eden Prairie Police.
Written by: Will Wight
