College Football Player Faces Felony Theft Charges After Luxury Item Heist
In a startling turn of events that has rocked both a college football program and a Minnesota lakeside community, 20-year-old William Frattalone, formerly a North Dakota State University football player, finds himself facing serious legal consequences after allegedly stealing luxury items valued at over $270,000. The incident, which occurred during the Fourth of July weekend at Lake Minnetonka, has resulted in Frattalone’s dismissal from his team and a felony theft charge that could significantly impact his future. The case highlights how a momentary decision can lead to life-altering consequences for young athletes who may take their privileged positions for granted.
According to court documents, the theft occurred at Maynard’s Restaurant on Lake Minnetonka, a popular dining spot about 25 miles from Minneapolis. The victim had stored a designer duffel bag, itself worth $2,400, in a sealed cabin on a docked boat before entering the restaurant. The bag contained an astonishing collection of valuables, including a platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch valued at $228,000, approximately $25,000 in limited-edition clothing, an expensive bottle of cologne worth $400, and between $5,000 to $10,000 in cash, along with various personal items. When the group returned to the boat after dining, they discovered the bag had vanished, setting in motion an investigation that would eventually lead authorities to Frattalone’s doorstep.
What makes this case particularly intriguing are the witness accounts and alleged behavior following the theft. A restaurant employee reportedly witnessed Frattalone attempting to carry a large bag through the dining area, which violated establishment policy, and subsequently escorted him from the premises. When confronted by another passenger from the boat about the missing bag, Frattalone allegedly responded with a cavalier attitude, suggesting that his “parents were wealthy and would write a check for whatever was inside the bag.” This response suggests either a remarkable level of entitlement or perhaps a desperate attempt to minimize the severity of his actions. Either way, it paints a picture of a young man who may not have fully grasped the serious legal and ethical implications of taking someone else’s property, regardless of his ability to potentially compensate for it.
The investigation took a definitive turn when authorities executed a search warrant at Frattalone’s home in nearby Wayzata. There, they reportedly found the stolen duffel bag in his bedroom, providing compelling evidence linking him to the theft. Notably absent, however, was the extremely valuable Rolex watch, raising questions about what might have happened to this six-figure timepiece. Adding to the evidence against Frattalone, investigators discovered video footage on his cell phone that allegedly places him on the boat on the night of the theft, further strengthening the case against him. Following these discoveries, Frattalone was arrested on August 1 and later released from the Hennepin County Jail on August 4, with his first court appearance scheduled for September 11, where he will face the felony theft charge.
The consequences of these alleged actions have been swift and severe for Frattalone’s athletic career. North Dakota State University head coach Tim Polasek released a statement confirming that Frattalone had been dismissed from the football team for violating team rules. The coach made it clear that Frattalone was not included among the 123 players participating in fall camp and emphasized that he would “not be considered to re-join the team in any fashion.” This decisive action by the university demonstrates the seriousness with which collegiate athletic programs view off-field behavior, particularly when it involves criminal allegations. For Frattalone, the dismissal represents not just the loss of his position on the team but potentially the derailment of athletic aspirations that likely took years of dedication and effort to build.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly promising futures can be jeopardized by poor decisions. Whether motivated by impulse, peer pressure, or a misguided sense of invulnerability, the alleged theft has resulted in consequences that will follow Frattalone far beyond this football season. With a felony charge hanging over his head and his collegiate athletic career in shambles, he now faces an uncertain future that includes possible legal penalties and the challenging task of rebuilding his reputation. As his case proceeds through the legal system, it stands as a cautionary tale for other young athletes about the real-world consequences of actions that may seem momentary but can have lasting repercussions. Meanwhile, the investigation continues, with authorities still searching for answers about the missing Rolex watch and the full circumstances surrounding this lakeside luxury heist.
