BLOOMING PRAIRIE — A woman suspected of murdering her husband is being charged with stealing $11,000, after his death.
Lois Ann Riess, 56, is being sought by police in connection to the murder of her husband, David Riess, on March 21.
David Riess, who previously owned a bait shop in Rochester, was discovered dead on multiple gunshot wounds in rural Blooming Prairie on Monday.
While the authorities have not found her yet, a warrant has been issued for Lois Riess’ arrest for illegally transferring and stealing money from David Riess’ business and personal bank accounts, according to a criminal complaint filed Tuesday.
In the complaint., Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Ben Bohle alleges that Lois Riess went to a Dodge County bank and illegally moved about $11,000 from her husband’s business account for Prairie Wax Worm Farms LLC into her personal account.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bank officials state that she was not authorized to do that. However, they both had accounts at the bank, so it was allowed, according to the complaint. She also cashed $7,500 and $1,000 checks made out to herself from her husband’s account.
She has been charged with theft of another’s property without consent, a felony carrying a penalty of up to 10 years in jail and/or $20,000 in fines.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s office is working with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to investigate the murder and find Lois Riess.
She is described as 5-foot-5, blonde and 165 pounds. Riess is reportedly driving a white 2005 Cadillac Escalade.
Investigators believe she may be armed and urged the public to call 911 with information on her whereabouts, but not to approach her.
