Woman charged with identity theft, check forgery after alleged use of stolen checks at multiple stores
Anoka County Jail Booking Photo
Published: August 3rd, 2026.
ANOKA COUNTY: A woman is facing multiple criminal charges in Anoka County after authorities allege she attempted to use stolen checks at several retail stores, possessed financial documents belonging to multiple individuals, and initially identified herself to police using another person's name.
According to an Anoka County criminal complaint, Emily Sue Eggersgluss, 40, has been charged with one count of felony identity theft involving more than three but not more than seven direct victims or a combined loss exceeding $2,500, one count of felony check forgery, and one count of gross misdemeanor giving a peace officer the name of another person.
According to the complaint, Blaine police officers were called to a Walgreens on July 31, 2026, for a report of a theft in progress. A store employee reported that Eggersgluss attempted to purchase a large amount of merchandise using a check bearing a name that did not match her own. After the transaction was declined, she allegedly left the store in a vehicle driven by another individual.
Police say officers stopped the vehicle a short time later. According to the complaint, both occupants were initially uncooperative before eventually exiting the vehicle and being detained.
The complaint alleges Eggersgluss identified herself as Denise Kay Foote and presented identification bearing that name. She later claimed the check belonged to her mother and that she had power of attorney. However, investigators determined the checks belonged to Shelly A. Dennis based on the printed name on the checks. When officers asked Eggersgluss for her alleged mother's maiden name, date of birth, and middle name, she was reportedly unable to provide the correct information. According to the complaint, she then admitted the checks had been stolen.
Following a Miranda warning, authorities say Eggersgluss identified herself by her actual name, allowing officers to confirm her identity through Department of Vehicle Services records.
According to the complaint, officers also found debit cards belonging to four other individuals and checks belonging to two additional people in Eggersgluss' possession. Prosecutors allege the number of victims and financial loss support the felony identity theft charge.
Investigators allege they recovered checks belonging to Shelly Dennis that had allegedly been used or written for purchases at several retailers, including:
Walgreens: $496.26 on July 31
Menards: $337.64 on July 31
Burlington: $195.05 on July 29
Cub Foods: $83.50 on July 27
Marshalls: $372.30 on July 26
TJ Maxx: $177.78 on July 25
According to the complaint, the total value of those checks was $1,662.53.
The allegations contained in the criminal complaint represent charges filed by the prosecution. Eggersgluss is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.