MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Former North Star Cemetery Leader Accused of Diverting More Than $350,000

Roger J. Robinson faces a felony theft charge and a civil lawsuit alleging that money intended for cemetery operations and perpetual care was redirected. 

SAINT CLOUD, MN (August 30, 2026)  A former leader of Saint Cloud’s historic North Star Cemetery is accused in criminal and civil cases of diverting more than $350,000 from cemetery accounts, including money intended to provide perpetual care for burial grounds.

Roger J. Robinson, 66, of Saint Cloud, faces one felony count of theft by swindle in Stearns County District Court.

Members of the North Star Cemetery Association have also filed a civil lawsuit seeking reimbursement, interest and attorney costs.

The allegations have not been proven at trial. An attorney representing Robinson denied the allegations in an August 10 civil filing, according to court records reviewed by the Minnesota Star Tribune. Attorneys involved in the matter declined further comment to the newspaper.

Perpetual-Care Funds at Center of Allegations

The civil complaint alleges that Robinson assumed a leadership position in 2020, removed other authorized signatories and opened accounts that were not disclosed to the cemetery association’s other leaders.

He is accused of liquidating four certificates of deposit from the cemetery’s perpetual-care fund, totaling approximately $251,500, and moving the proceeds into an account under his sole control.

Perpetual-care funds are generally intended to generate long-term support for cemetery maintenance and preservation. Removing principal from those accounts can affect the ability of a cemetery to care for graves, landscaping, roads and other property in future years.

The lawsuit also alleges that Robinson redirected approximately $51,000 in customer checks and another $29,000 in electronic payments.

Association members claim cemetery funds were used for personal expenses, including restaurant, retail, gasoline and hotel transactions, as well as checks and electronic transfers.

Some money was allegedly transferred to Templar Business Resources, a for-profit company owned by Robinson.

Criminal and Civil Cases Cite Different Totals

The criminal investigation began in October 2024 after members of the cemetery board discovered that certificates of deposit had been cashed, according to the criminal complaint.

The criminal case alleges that at least $202,000 was taken. The broader civil lawsuit places the alleged loss at more than $350,000.

Differences between criminal and civil totals can result from separate evidentiary standards, time periods or categories of transactions. Prosecutors must prove the criminal charge beyond a reasonable doubt, while civil plaintiffs generally operate under a lower standard of proof.

A charge is an accusation. Robinson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Cemetery Dates to 1864

North Star Cemetery was established in 1864 by the Watab Masonic Lodge and is described as the oldest active cemetery in Saint Cloud.

Among those buried there are John and Harriet Wilson, who helped establish Saint Cloud, and Jacob Brower, who is recognized for his role in establishing Itasca State Park.

The allegations therefore involve not only the cemetery’s finances but also the care of a property with significant local and state history.

The criminal prosecution and civil lawsuit will proceed separately unless the parties reach agreements resolving one or both cases.

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