Man Charged With Felony Theft After Nearly $2,000 in Fragrances Allegedly Stolen From Richfield Ulta
Hennepin County Jail Booking Photo
RICHFIELD MN - A man has been charged with felony theft after authorities say he was linked to three separate thefts involving nearly $2,000 worth of fragrances from an Ulta Beauty store in Richfield.
Guled Mohamed Ali, 31, is charged in Hennepin County District Court with felony theft involving property valued at more than $1,000 but less than $5,000.
According to the criminal complaint, Richfield police responded to Ulta Beauty on West 78th Street on August 29 after employees reported that a man known to them as a suspected shoplifter had taken men's fragrances and left the store without paying.
Officers located Ali walking in the area and allegedly recovered two fragrances from him. The complaint identifies the items as Versace Eros Parfum, valued at $150, and a Yves Saint Laurent fragrance valued at $329, for a total of $479.
Surveillance footage allegedly showed Ali entering the store at approximately 7:33 p.m., taking the fragrances and leaving about two minutes later without paying, according to the probable cause statement.
Authorities also linked Ali to two earlier thefts from the same store. The complaint alleges $984 worth of fragrances were stolen on August 28 and another $534 worth on August 24.
Prosecutors allege the three incidents resulted in a combined loss of $1,997.
According to the complaint, Ali spoke with police after being advised of his Miranda rights and admitted entering the store on August 29 intending to steal merchandise. He also allegedly acknowledged stealing fragrances during the August 24 incident.
The complaint states Ali told police he generally stole one or two items at a time from Ulta Beauty and would sell or trade stolen fragrances for drugs that he shared with others.
Ali also reportedly told officers that he hears voices that regularly tell him to steal, hurt people and damage property, according to the complaint.
Ali was in custody at the time the complaint was filed.
The felony theft charge carries a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
A criminal charge is an allegation, and Ali is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.