Two Charged in High-Value Retail Thefts at Dakota County Ulta Stores; One Still Wanted With Nationwide Warrant
EAGAN & APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA —Prosecutors have charged two individuals in connection with a string of retail thefts at Ulta Beauty stores in Apple Valley and Eagan, with investigators linking the pair to additional thefts across Minnesota and beyond.
The Incidents
According to criminal complaints filed by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, on April 3, 2025, Maria Bacelaru, 27, and Constantin Bacelaru, 21, entered Ulta locations in both Apple Valley and Eagan. Surveillance video shows Maria concealing thousands of dollars' worth of prestige cosmetics under her clothing. At the same time, Constantin acted as a lookout, blocking employees and customers from seeing what Maria was doing.
At the Apple Valley location, Maria concealed approximately $3,356 worth of merchandise, while the Eagan store reported an additional $4,269.90 in losses. The suspects left without paying in both instances. According to court documents, during the investigation, it was discovered that Bacelarus carried out similar thefts at multiple metro area stores on April 3–4, 2025. Court filings also state that they have been linked to retail thefts across the country.
Charges and Warrants
Both defendants face one count of felony theft (aggregated over $5,000), which carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine ranging from $6,000 to $20,000. Dakota County Judge Dannia Edwards signed warrants for both Maria and Constantin on May 21, 2025, with Constantin's first appearance on September 10, 2025. Maria, on the other hand, remains at large with a nationwide felony warrant that remains active as of the writing of this article.
Bail Recommendation for Constantin
Court filings show that prosecutors requested and received a bail for Constantin to be set at $20,000 without conditions or $10,000 with conditions. Those conditions include staying away from Ulta stores, remaining law-abiding, attending all court appearances, and keeping court officials informed of his address.
Note: Criminal charges are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Provided by Dakota County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight
