Saint Paul Man Accused of $5,700 Theft Spree Across Metro Stores
EAGAN, MINNESOTA —A 46-year-old man from Saint Paul, Lyle Allen Robinson, has been charged with felony theft after allegedly orchestrating a months-long theft spree across multiple stores in the Twin Cities metro area. The Dakota County Attorney's Office filed the charges on December 2, 2024, alleging that Robinson stole merchandise valued at approximately $5,700 in 15 separate incidents.
Details of the Alleged Thefts
According to the criminal complaint, Robinson allegedly targeted 11 retail locations between May 1 and October 12, 2024. These locations, all part of the same retail corporation, include well-known brands like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods. The pattern of theft reportedly involved Robinson selecting high-value merchandise, such as small kitchen appliances, clothing, and makeup kits, and then attempting fraudulent "no-receipt returns."
When store staff refused these return attempts, Robinson would allegedly leave with the unpaid items without any effort to pay for them. In some cases, he altered his appearance in-store by changing clothes or removing security tags to facilitate his thefts. Below is a list of the alleged offenses Robinson had committed.
Notable Incidents
May 1, 2024 – Oakdale, MN: Robinson entered a housewares store, selected a small kitchen appliance valued at $299.99, and removed the security device. He approached the cashier, attempting to return the item without a receipt using his Minnesota ID card. When the return was denied, he walked out of the store with the item, making no attempt to pay.
May 6, 2024 – Oakdale, MN: Returning to the same store, Robinson selected another small kitchen appliance valued at $299.99. This time, he entered the bathroom mid-theft and altered his appearance by changing his clothes. He then repeated his no-receipt return attempt, was denied, and exited with the unpaid item.
May 24, 2024 – Oakdale, MN: Robinson targeted the same store for the third time in a month, this time selecting another small appliance worth $499.99. Unlike previous attempts, he skipped the no-receipt return entirely and simply walked out with the merchandise.
June 23, 2024 – Maple Grove, MN: Robinson entered a department store, selected two makeup kits valued at $359.98, and attempted a no-receipt return. When denied, he left the store with the unpaid items.
July 2, 2024 – Eden Prairie, MN: Robinson attempted the same no-receipt return scheme at another houseware store with a $399.99 kitchen appliance. When his attempt was rejected, he exited the store with the unpaid item.
July 29, 2024 – Eagan, MN: Robinson targeted an Eagan department store, selecting a kitchen appliance worth $599.99. As before, he attempted to return the item without a receipt, but it was denied, and he was left with the unpaid merchandise.
August 10, 2024 – Eagan, MN: Robinson added a new tactic to his spree. He selected a shirt and pair of shoes, entered a dressing room, and changed into the stolen items. He left his old shirt and shoes behind and exited the store without paying for the $40.99 merchandise.
August 24, 2024 – Cottage Grove, MN: Robinson targeted a new location, selecting another kitchen appliance valued at $199.99. He attempted a no-receipt return, was denied, and left the store with the item.
September 13, 2024 – Edina, MN: At a housewares store, Robinson again selected a $299.99 kitchen appliance and attempted his return scheme. After being denied, he exited with the unpaid item.
September 24, 2024 – Roseville, MN: Robinson successfully completed a no-receipt return at a department store. After removing a security sensor from a $499.99 appliance, he presented the item at the cashier and received a $541.96 store gift card. This marked one of the few instances in which he secured a fraudulent monetary benefit.
October 12, 2024 – St. Louis Park, MN: In what appears to be the final theft in the spree, Robinson targeted a department store, selected a kitchen appliance valued at $499.99, attempted another fraudulent return, and, upon denial, left with the merchandise unpaid.
The total value of merchandise across all incidents exceeded $5,700.
Surveillance and Investigation
The Eagan Police Department began investigating Robinson after receiving reports of thefts from affected stores. Using surveillance footage, suspect photos, pawn shop records, and body-worn camera evidence, investigators linked Robinson to each incident.
Law enforcement noted that Robinson’s repetitive approach — selecting high-value merchandise, attempting returns, and leaving unpaid when denied — was a hallmark of his method. In some cases, he altered his appearance or changed strategies, such as wearing stolen items to evade suspicion. Despite these efforts, consistent use of his Minnesota ID during fraudulent return attempts left an evidence trail that ultimately helped investigators identify him as the suspect.
Criminal History, Active Warrants, and Legal Consequences
Robinson’s criminal record reveals a history of theft convictions, and he had active warrants at the time of his arrest. His repeated offenses and active warrants led prosecutors to request a complaint warrant. As the criminal complaint and warrant from the Dakota County Attorney’s Office was being written up and issued, around November 15, 2024, Robinson was in custody in Scott County Jail. Court records show the warrant was served on December 2, 2024.
Robinson is charged with felony theft under Minnesota Statute 609.52. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and/or fines ranging from $6,000 to $20,000.
On December 2, 2024, a judge set his bail at $7,500 with conditions or $15,000 without conditions. Robinson is prohibited from entering stores under the TJX Companies brand, including TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and related retailers. Robinson has not posted his bail and remains in custody at the Dakota County Jail as of writing this story.
Next Steps in the Case
Robinson’s next court date is January 29, 2024, in Hastings, Minnesota. Prosecutors are working to ensure accountability for his alleged actions while investigators continue collaborating with retail loss-prevention teams to close any additional leads.
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
Cover Photo Credit: Cover Photo by Max Fleischmann on Unsplash
