Blooming Prairie Woman Accused of Stealing From Murdered Husband

Blooming Prairie, MN (KROC-AM News) - Dodge County officials have issued an arrest warrant for the wife of the rural Blooming Prairie man who was found shot to death inside the couple’s home last week.

The warrant is based on a criminal complaint filed in Dodge County Court  Tuesday that charges 56-year-old Lois Riess with felony theft involving deposits and withdrawals involving the victim’s bank accounts in the week after his death. The complaint does not identify the victim but it’s believed to be David Riess. His wife is accused of cashing $11,000 in checks made out to herself from the victim’s personal account shortly after depositing about $10,000 in checks made out to her husband’s wax worm business into his personal account. The complaint also states the victim’s debit card was used last weekend.

The court documents indicate an investigator working on the case believes David Riess died March 21st, two days before officers conducting a welfare check discovered his body.

The court documents indicate an investigator working on the case believes David Riess died a week ago today, two days before officers conducting a welfare check discovered his body on Friday.

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department earlier identified Lois Riess as a “person of interest” in the death of her husband. Officials say she is 5 foot 5, 165 pounds with blond hair and brown eyes. An alert issued after the murder was discovered indicated she could be driving a white 2005 Cadillac Escalade with Minnesota license plates reading 864 LAE.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department or call 911. Officials have said she could be armed and should not be approached.

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