Man Accused of Stealing Over $1,100 in Merchandise From West St. Paul Target
Published: April 29th 2026
WEST SAINT PAUL MN: A 32-year-old man is facing a felony theft charge after allegedly stealing more than $1,000 worth of merchandise from a West St. Paul retail store, according to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County.
YER TOU LEE (DOB: 04/12/1994) is charged with Theft (Over $1,000 up to $5,000) under Minnesota Statute 609.52.2(a)(1), with reference to 609.52.3(3)(a). The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a fine between $3,000 and $10,000. The offense is classified as a felony.
According to the criminal complaint, officers responded at approximately 12:44 p.m. on April 28, 2026, to a report of theft at Target in West St. Paul.
A loss prevention employee reported that a male suspect had stolen merchandise and left the store in a truck. Officers later located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
The complaint states that Lee was the driver and sole occupant of the truck. Officers observed the alleged stolen merchandise in plain view inside the vehicle.
Police recovered the items and returned them to the store. The total reported loss was $1,123.80. Police also obtained surveillance footage and related documentation from Target as part of the case, according to the criminal complaint.
Lee is charged in Dakota County District Court in connection with the incident.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.