Court documents filed in Stutsman County detail allegations that former Jamestown Country Club manager Shawn Patrick Taft, 59, took more than $95,000 from the club across a nearly six-year span. The alleged conduct, dated between February 2019 and December 2024, included cash withdrawals, payments for the manager’s personal charges covered using other customers’ checks and cards, and an unaccounted portion of a cashed check, according to the filings.

Prosecutors have charged Taft with Class A felony theft and Class B felony unauthorized use of personal identifying information. Those charges signal the state’s view that the case involves significant alleged losses and the improper use of members’ or customers’ payment methods. The suspected losses came to light only after a January burglary at the club prompted new management to conduct inventory and financial checks, which uncovered discrepancies.

Legal maneuvering is underway. A defense motion filed Oct. 29 asks a judge to quash an arrest warrant connected to the case. Under the current schedule, the Stutsman County State’s Attorney has 14 days to respond to that motion before a judge decides whether to keep the warrant active or set an initial court appearance. The outcome will determine whether the matter moves quickly to arraignment or is further delayed by pretrial disputes over procedural issues.

For Jamestown, the allegations represent more than just a legal story. The country club functions as a social and economic node for the community—hosting golf, weddings, fundraisers and business gatherings. More than $95,000 in alleged losses can strain a locally run club’s operating budget, potentially affecting maintenance, programming and membership pricing. Clubs and small private businesses in rural counties often run on modest margins, where an unexpected cash shortfall can translate into postponed repairs, scaled-back events, or increases in dues to cover gaps.

There are other practical consequences for members and patrons. The criminal count for unauthorized use of personal identifying information raises the possibility that customers’ financial or identity data were misused, which could prompt a need for credit monitoring or other protective steps for affected individuals. The club and its remaining leadership will also need to address internal controls, bookkeeping practices and oversight to restore confidence among members.

Looking ahead, potential remedies include criminal restitution ordered by a court, civil claims by the club to recover losses, and involvement by insurers if coverage applies. The State’s Attorney’s response to the defense motion and the judge’s ruling on the arrest warrant will set the next timeline for public hearings. In the meantime, local residents and club members will be watching how the club rebuilds both its finances and community trust after allegations that touch a central Stutsman County institution.