Edina cannabis consultant employee charged in $28K check fraud
John Nguyen Lutgen of St. Paul was charged in Hennepin County Monday with theft by swindle and check forgery for allegedly stealing about $28,000 from Minnesota Cannabis Services.[1]
Authorities say Lutgen altered company checks and deposited them into his personal account.[1] The alleged scheme ran from July 3 through Aug. 19, 2026, according to charging documents.[1]
An audit and a complaint from the company's compliance officer prompted Edina police to open the probe, officials said.[1] Investigators said their inquiry followed a tip from the City of Inver Grove Heights about a suspicious check rewrite request.[1]
Lutgen has been charged but details about his court date or bond were not reported.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Defendant: John Nguyen Lutgen of St. Paul charged in Hennepin County with theft by swindle and check forgery.
- Alleged scheme ran from July 3 to Aug. 19, 2026, and involved altering company checks and depositing them into Lutgen’s personal account.
- Audit and complaint from Minnesota Cannabis Services’ compliance officer led Edina police to open the case after a tip from the City of Inver Grove Heights about a suspicious check rewrite request.
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