On April 17, 2025, Washington County Sheriff's Deputy Roeser spoke to an individual over the phone regarding a dishonored check. The complainant, NB (an adult male fully identified in law enforcement reports) told Deputy Roeser that he had sold a couch to an individual, later identified as SHAWNA LYNN MILDRED ALTEPETER [DOB REDACTED] on April 4, 2025, via Facebook Marketplace, with an agreed upon price of $700.00. NB said that he brought the couch to Altepeter's address on April 4, and Altepeter handed him a check for $700.00. This occurred at Altepeter's house in Huge, Washington County, Minnesota.
He said that he cashed the check the same day, and it was initially approved by his bank and he received money in his account. However, on April 5, the bank notified him that the check was unable to go through due to insufficient funds and the $700.00 deposit was reversed. NB said that he communicated with Altepeter regarding the insufficient funds and they agreed to meet in person so she could give him cash. However, that meeting did not take place and later, Altepeter agreed to send NB the money electronically.
NB continued communicating with Altepeter, trying to make arrangements for her to pay him, but she never paid him. He eventually started getting text communications from someone who identified herself as Altepeter's aunt, saying Altepeter was in the hospital and accusing NB of harassing Altepeter. As of April 17, NB had not received the $700.00 from Altepeter. NB provided Deputy Roeser with documentation of their communications regarding the purchase agreement for the couch and their subsequent conversations about the non-payment.
He also provided the deputy with a photograph of the check that Altepeter wrote out to him that bounced. Deputy Roeser attempted to contact Altepeter but was not successful. He advised NB to keep him updated regarding further communications or payment. On May 5, 2025, NB contacted the deputy again, to advise him that he still had not received any further payment or communication from Altepeter.
