Duluth Grocery Store Security Officer Accused of Sexually Extorting Detained Shoplifter

A 51-year-old loss-prevention officer at Super One Foods in Duluth is facing four felony charges after allegedly telling an 18-year-old woman she could avoid shoplifting charges by performing a sexual act inside the store's private security office.

Christopher Michael Lagraves, of Esko, was booked into the St. Louis County Jail following the March 8 incident. Duluth police were called to the store around 6 p.m. that day. When officers arrived, they noticed a smell of alcohol in the loss-prevention office, and Lagraves told them he was hungover.

According to police, Lagraves had stopped the woman after she left without paying for a granola bar and a smoothie, then allegedly directed her into the private office and told her that performing sexual acts would make the shoplifting charges go away.

Lagraves was taken to the Public Safety Building for an interview, where he denied any sexual interactions. He told officers the woman had no prior shoplifting history and was only 18, so he "wanted to give her a big break" and let her off with a warning. He said he had brought her into the office to give her a "dad talk" and that removing his body-worn camera was routine, since he does not typically wear it while speaking with suspects in the office.

Officers were skeptical. They noted they have worked with Lagraves previously and that he "requests charges for most theft, including things like a cookie or a lighter." They also observed that Lagraves had been listening to Duluth police radio traffic and were concerned that he may have heard them discussing the incident in advance.

Physical evidence complicated his account. Police obtained a search warrant for his clothing and noted his underwear was consistent with a description provided by the victim. A separate search warrant for the loss-prevention office turned up additional evidence, and a chair with a stain was taken for testing. Investigators also obtained a warrant to collect surveillance footage from the store.

Lagraves is charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct, Sexual Extortion, Indecent Exposure, and False Imprisonment, all felonies. His next court appearance is scheduled for early April 2026.