DETROIT LAKES — Christopher Lee Bernu, 45, of Brainerd, Minnesota, faces felony theft charges in Becker County District Court. On December 20, 2024, Bernu and an unidentified woman allegedly shoplifted approximately $1,233 worth of goods from Detroit Lakes Menards. Surveillance footage captured the suspects during the incident.
Bernu was previously arrested in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, during another theft incident before leaving the store. Court records indicate Bernu is currently on probation for a prior gross misdemeanor theft. His first court appearance is scheduled for July 3 before Judge Gretchen Thilmony.
In a related case, Patricia Ann Thompson, 52, of Detroit Lakes, pleaded guilty to gross misdemeanor theft after a felony charge was dropped. On October 4, 2024, police responded to a report of a stolen trailer from the Lakes Crisis and Resource Center. Security footage from August 10 showed Thompson towing the trailer without permission.
When confronted, Thompson initially denied knowledge of the trailer’s whereabouts but later admitted to still having it at an undisclosed location. She was sentenced on May 22 to 364 days in Becker County Jail with most time stayed, fined $500 plus court fees, and placed on two years supervised probation including mandatory chemical assessment and aftercare.
Quinton Leroy Duel, 35, of Detroit Lakes, was sentenced for felony harassment related to violating multiple restraining orders following a prior domestic violence conviction. On May 22, Judge Michelle W. Lawson sentenced him to 18 months in prison, stayed for five years, along with a short jail term, fines, and supervised probation with conditions including firearm restrictions and mandated behavioral programs.
Matthew Joel Larson, 42, of White Earth, faces felony domestic abuse charges for violating multiple protection orders within ten years of a previous conviction. Bail was set at $25,000 with his next hearing scheduled for June 16 before Judge Gretchen Thilmony.