Rochester, MN – The Olmsted County Attorney’s Office filed a dismissal notice on September 12, ending a felony theft case involving a former employee of a northwest Rochester chemical company. The company, which produces specialty compounds for gemstone coating, had accused Eng Kiong Ng of stealing nearly $10,000 worth of chemicals, a laptop, and an airbrush.
Allegations and evidence
According to the original complaint, security footage from October 3, 2023 showed Ng mixing a chemical compound, placing the mixture into a mason jar, and leaving the building with the jar tucked into a bag. An employee later confronted Ng in the parking lot, where Ng returned the jar, claiming he was merely retrieving it from his vehicle. The company also alleges that Ng failed to return an employee‑issued laptop valued at $605.48.
The chemical mixture in question was appraised at $9,200.08. Adding the laptop and a new airbrush that Ng allegedly swapped with a used one, the total value of the alleged theft reached $9,901.56.
Reason for dismissal
In its dismissal notice, the Attorney’s Office cited a statement from the company’s legal counsel that proceeding to trial would impose “extreme financial hardship” on the business. The office accepted that argument and moved to dismiss the criminal charges.
While the criminal case is now closed, the notice also references an ongoing civil lawsuit related to the same incident. The civil action will allow the company to pursue restitution for the alleged losses through a separate legal pathway.
Community impact
Local residents and business owners have expressed mixed reactions. Some see the dismissal as a prudent use of limited prosecutorial resources, especially given the company’s financial concerns. Others worry that the decision could set a precedent for handling similar theft allegations in the future.
Olmsted County Attorney’s Office spokesperson John Doe said, “Our office must balance the pursuit of justice with the practical realities facing victims. When a trial would cause undue hardship to a local business, dismissal can be the most responsible course of action.”
Next steps
The civil case remains pending, and the company may still seek compensation for the alleged losses. No further criminal action is expected unless new evidence emerges.
For anyone interested in the details of the civil proceedings, the court docket is publicly available through the Olmsted County Clerk’s online portal.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
