Apple Valley Man Stole Nearly $3,000 in Blu-Rays to "Make Ends Meet," Police Say

An Apple Valley man accused of stealing nearly $3,000 in Blu-Ray discs from an Eagan Target allegedly told police he planned to sell the stolen items to help his family "make ends meet."

Scott Thomas Hodge, 33, a single count of felony theft, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Dakota County Attorney's Office. If convicted, Hodge could face a maximum of five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

On May 7, police were called to the Target in Eagan on a shoplifting report. Officers located the suspect, Hodge, upon arrival, and allegedly found a large quantity of Blu-Ray movies hidden in a diaper bag. Police also spoke with a store employee, who told officers that the value of the stolen Blu-Rays was $969.66.

It wasn't the first time Hodge had stolen from the store, the employee told police. On April 26 and May 2, the employee said, Hodge also made off with a hefty number of Blu-Rays. The first theft was valued at $1,189.67, and the May 2 loss was $712.83, for a total loss between the three incidents of $2,872.16.

Police say Hodge admitted to stealing the merchandise. Hodge told officers that his family was facing a difficult financial situation and that he planned to sell the stolen goods to "make ends meet," according to the criminal complaint.