ST PAUL, Minn. — A former Tracy business owner has pleaded guilty to two counts of theft by swindle after taking more than $200,000 from customers who never received the appliances they purchased.
The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office announced Tuesday that Darin Lee Horner admitted in court to taking money from multiple customers between 2017 and 2019 without ordering the appliances, instead using the funds for personal expenses, including house payments.
Horner operated Affordable Appliance Plus in Tracy until May 1, 2019. Prosecutors say more than 50 people were defrauded in the scheme.
“It’s hard to afford your life when thieves and scammers take your money for products they never actually deliver,” said Attorney General Keith Ellison. “Darin Lee Horner’s actions were unlawful and unacceptable, and I am pleased my office was able to hold him accountable for his crimes. I will continue to do everything in my power to fight fraudsters and protect the pocketbooks of Minnesotans across our state. If you believe you were the victim of theft, I highly encourage you to report the crime to local law enforcement.”
The Attorney General’s Office prosecuted the case at the request of Lyon County Attorney Abby Wikelius, with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Tracy Police Department. Horner is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 16, 2025.
