Minnesota Man Charged After Victim Spots Stolen Motorcycle on Facebook Marketplace

Rochester, Minnesota (KROC-AM News)- A Rochester man is facing a felony theft charge after prosecutors say he stole a motorcycle then listed it for sale. 

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The criminal complaint, filed Thursday in Olmsted County Court, says the owner of the motorcycle reported it stolen from a northwest Rochester business on March 16. The man said he then saw his motorcycle listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

The charges say the ad was posted by 29-year-old Kog J. Malith. Malith told Rochester police he spotted the motorcycle at the business and was given permission by an employee to take it.

The employee told police that he had spoken with Malith but told him not to take scrap metal and did not give him permission to take the motorcycle. A police officer recovered the motorcycle outside of Malith’s apartment, the criminal complaint says. 

Malith has been charged with a count of felony theft of a motor vehicle. Court records indicate Malith has two misdemeanor theft convictions. He was also wanted in Olmsted County for felony drug possession, obstructing the legal process, shoplifting, giving false name to police and property damage, according to the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office. 

Olmsted County Adult Detention records indicate Malith was booked into custody early Thursday morning. Maltih is making his first court appearance in connection to the alleged motorcycle theft on Friday.