Repeat Offender Charged with Organized Retail Theft in Dakota County
EAGAN, MINNESOTA —Leslie Gene Robinson, 62, of Minneapolis, has been charged with multiple felonies related to a series of alleged organized retail thefts across several Minnesota counties. Robinson, who has a lengthy criminal history including 27 prior felony theft convictions, now faces new charges that could see him sentenced as a career offender.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, Robinson, a juvenile accomplice, and others are accused of allegedly orchestrating a series of thefts from various retail stores between February 7 and March 13, 2024. The stolen merchandise, which includes items taken from stores in Eagan, Oakdale, Mankato, Owatonna, and Shorewood, Minnesota, has an estimated value exceeding $5,743.
The complaint details several incidents, beginning with a theft on February 7, 2024, at a store in Eagan. Surveillance footage captured Robinson and the juvenile suspect allegedly working together to remove security devices from merchandise before concealing the items and leaving the store without paying. This pattern was allegedly repeated at multiple locations over the following weeks, where Robinson allegedly either personally removed security tags or directed his accomplices to do so.
On March 13, 2024, Robinson and two others were stopped by police after leaving a Shorewood grocery store with alleged unpaid merchandise. A search of their vehicle revealed the stolen goods, leading to Robinson’s arrest. When interviewed by police, the criminal complaint states that Robinson allegedly admitted that he intended to sell the stolen items, a practice he has allegedly engaged in for years. According to the criminal complaint, his statement, combined with his extensive criminal record, led the Dakota County Attorney’s Office to request a warrant for his arrest, citing public safety concerns.
Court records show that Robinson, who is currently on supervised release from the Minnesota Department of Corrections, faces two felony charges: Organized Retail Theft and Aggregation Theft. Both charges carry significant penalties. If convicted, Robinson could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and fined up to $35,000. The court has set Robinson’s bail at $40,000 without conditions or $20,000 with conditions. Robinson’s next court appearance is set for September 17, 2024, at 1:30 PM in Hastings, Minnesota. Court records show that some of the thefts occurred at Best Buy, HyVee, Target, and Cub Foods stores but aren’t limited to these locations.
Given his extensive criminal history and the nature of the current charges, Robinson may be sentenced as a career offender under Minnesota law, which could result in enhanced penalties.
This article provides an overview of the allegations against Robinson, detailing the charges, evidence, and potential legal outcomes. The community is reminded that charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Further updates on this case will depend on the progress of the legal proceedings.
Dakota County Jail
Written by: Will Wight
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