Benjamin Andrew Kleese

On January 14, 2026, Moorhead Police Department Officer E. Broer responded to a report of a theft that occurred at the Menards in Moorhead, located in Clay County, MN. There, it was reported that two individuals entered the store on or about January 4, 2026, and walked around together selecting items. One of the two individuals left the cart, and made a purchase for a purchase ticket before leaving. The other individual, later identified as BENJAMIN ANDREW KLEESE [DOB REDACTED], hereinafter the Defendant, took the cart full of items, primarily consisting of tools, and left the store with them without paying.

The Defendant did not have permission to take the items, which were valued at $2,335.93. Videos of the theft inside the store, and videos of the vehicle the Defendant left in were given to law enforcement. The vehicle, a 2003 Toyota 4-Runner with ND license plate number 932 ECP, was found to be registered to the Defendant. The Defendant's identity was confirmed after looking at prior booking photos of the Defendant, and comparing them to the videos of the theft. After looking at local pawn records, the Defendant additionally was found to have sold a Bosch Hammer Drill on January 5, 2026. The serial number on the drill was the same as one that was stolen during this theft incident.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49., intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.