Repeat Bad Check Writer Sent to Prison in Rochester Theft Case

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Minnesota man with a lengthy criminal history of similar offenses has been ordered to prison following a conviction stemming from the theft of a pickup truck from a Rochester dealership in 2023.

Olmsted County court records state that 42-year-old Andrew John Leroux of Hugo was accused of obtaining the vehicle after writing a check for more than $66,700 from a bank account that had been closed. Investigators later located the pickup truck inside a shed at a property in Washington County.

Stolen Vehicle Seized

The criminal complaint says law enforcement seized the pickup after receiving advice from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The Twin Cities-area law enforcement agency indicated its officers had dealt with Leroux in the past and warned that the vehicle would be gone if it was not quickly seized.

READ MORE: Charges: Minnesota Man Used Bad Check to Steal Expensive Pick-up From Rochester Dealership

Court documents indicate Leroux was on probation at the time. He was charged with a felony count of motor vehicle theft and a felony count of issuing a dishonored check.

Plea Deal Did Not Recommend Prison

Under the terms of a plea agreement reached last summer, Leroux admitted to the dishonored check charge in exchange for the dismissal of the felony theft count.

The plea agreement recommended a stayed prison sentence, but Leroux has been sentenced to 18 months in prison with credit for the 303 days he has already spent in jail. He has also been ordered to pay $1,586 in restitution.

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Prior Criminal History

Minnesota court records indicate he has 9 previous felony convictions dating back to 2016. 5 of those convictions involved charges for dishonored checks.

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