Charged with Shoplifting at Mall of America? Here’s What You Need to Know
By Sullivan Rice
If you’ve been accused of shoplifting at Mall of America (MOA) in Bloomington, MN, you're likely overwhelmed—and for good reason. Security at MOA is unlike anywhere else in the state. With its own police unit, advanced surveillance, and close partnerships with retail stores, Mall of America handles shoplifting aggressively, and charges can escalate quickly.
At Jack Rice Defense, we’ve defended countless clients arrested at MOA—from tourists and teens to working professionals and first-time offenders. One mistake or misunderstanding should not define the rest of your life.
Why Shoplifting at Mall of America Is Treated Differently
Mall of America isn’t just any mall—it's a national destination with millions of visitors every year. Because of that, MOA has:
Its own on-site police department (Bloomington PD MOA Substation),
Dozens of loss prevention officers embedded in stores,
Thousands of surveillance cameras throughout the property,
A zero-tolerance policy for theft, even under $50.
Popular retailers like Nordstrom, Zara, Nike, Sephora, and Lululemon frequently pursue charges and share evidence directly with law enforcement. Some stores even coordinate with each other, leading to multiple charges if you’re accused of stealing from more than one location.
What Are You Facing?
Shoplifting falls under Minnesota Statute § 609.52 (Theft). The penalties are based on the total retail value:
Under $500 = Misdemeanor (up to 90 days in jail, $1,000 fine)
$500–$1,000 = Gross Misdemeanor (up to 1 year, $3,000 fine)
Over $1,000 = Felony (possible prison time and higher fines)
Even for low-value items, MOA prosecutors may push hard—especially if they believe you acted with intent or tried to conceal items.
You may also be trespassed (banned from the mall) or receive a civil demand letter asking for money from the store's attorneys.
What Happens After You’re Detained?
Here’s what typically happens at Mall of America:
You’re stopped by store security or MOA’s private loss prevention team.
The Bloomington Police Department is called to the scene.
You may be arrested, cited, or released with a court date.
You’ll be banned from the store—or possibly the entire mall.
You’ll receive paperwork that may include a criminal citation and/or a civil demand notice.
Do not ignore these documents. Talk to a criminal defense attorney immediately.
How Jack Rice Defense Can Help
At Jack Rice Defense, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. We look at every detail—from how store staff treated you to what was recorded on video. Were you profiled? Did you say something under pressure? Was there confusion at self-checkout or miscommunication about store policies?
We fight for:
Dismissals or diversions (especially for first-time offenses),
Alternatives to conviction such as community service or theft education programs,
Protection of your record through expungement or resolution without a guilty plea.
Whether you're a teenager, a parent, a visitor from out of town, or someone simply going through a rough time, we treat you with dignity—not judgment.
📍 Serving Bloomington, Hennepin County, and the greater Twin Cities area
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You are not your worst day. Let Jack Rice Defense help you take the next step forward.
