On 06/25/2025, Officer Middleton took a theft report in the lobby of the Brainerd Police Department. K. O., reported check number 3194 which he wrote out to Baxter Medical Center for $209.34 was altered to a different and name cashed for $2900. KO told Middleton he wrote out the check and placed it in his mailbox on 06/11/2025. On 06/25/2025 he observed a $2900 charge on his bank account. KO called his bank and learned it was the check he had written out to the Baxter Medical Center. KO believes he wrote the check out and placed it in his mailbox on the morning 06/05/2025. Middleton called the Baxter Medical Center and was told they have a locked mailbox.
KO showed Middleton a copy of the check. Middleton observed the check was paid to the order of Derrick A Rea, in the amount of $2980.00 and appeared to have KO's signature. The check showed a date of 06/11/25 and the check number was 3194. Middleton spoke with bank staff who said the check was not cashed because Rea did not have an account. However, the check was accepted. The bank's policy is to provide a cashier's check to be cashed or deposited elsewhere. Middleton was told that bank staff reviewed the security video which showed Rea (Derrick Andrew Rea, [DOB REDACTED], Defendant) was dropped and picked up by off in the alley behind the bank.
Middleton was told that Rea provided an address of [ADDRESS REDACTED] in Richmond, VA and a phone number. Middleton spoke with Rea's sister L. W., who confirmed his phone number as the one Rea provided to the bank. L. W. Told Middleton that Rea had recently moved back to Minnesota and last she heard he was currently homeless in St. Paul. Whitworth said it has been a long time since she has spoken with Rea. L. W. Said Rea has mental health and drug addiction issues. Middleton sent the photo he received from the bank's security camera of Rea to L. W. Who confirmed the male in the picture is Defendant.
Middleton called Rea but the number had been disconnected. According to Rea's family members, Rea is homeless in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area. The State requests a warrant to ensure Defendant's awareness of the proceeding and secure his appearance before the Court.
