A shocking case out of Minnesota has placed a former North Dakota State University (NDSU) football player in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Court documents reveal that William David Frattalone, 20, has been charged with felony theft after allegedly stealing property valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The accusations stem from a troubling incident in Wayzata, Minnesota, where Frattalone reportedly took possession of a bag containing high-value items, including a Rolex watch valued at an astounding $227,999, as well as thousands of dollars in cash. Authorities say the theft unfolded during a confrontation that escalated to gunfire, drawing even more attention to the already disturbing circumstances surrounding the case.
Frattalone, who once showed promise as an athlete for NDSU’s football program, now faces serious consequences. According to the Hennepin County District Court, he is scheduled to appear on September 11 to answer to the felony theft charge. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, underscoring just how severe the situation has become for the young man.
For many familiar with NDSU athletics, the allegations are both disappointing and surprising. The Bison football program has built a reputation as one of the most successful in the nation at the FCS level, producing NFL-caliber talent and instilling values of discipline and leadership in its players. Frattalone’s alleged actions stand in stark contrast to the ideals of the program and have sparked conversations about the challenges some young athletes face once they step away from the structured environment of collegiate sports.
While the court documents lay out the details of the property allegedly stolen, they also note the chaotic environment in which the theft occurred. Reports of gunfire surrounding the confrontation have only added to the gravity of the case, though the exact circumstances of how the incident escalated remain under investigation. What is clear, however, is that authorities are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness.
The theft of luxury watches and large sums of money is not a minor crime. In fact, prosecutors often highlight cases like these to emphasize how valuable goods, when targeted, can lead to major criminal charges and lengthy sentences. In this instance, the nearly quarter-million-dollar Rolex and the accompanying cash made the alleged theft one of significant magnitude.
Frattalone’s next steps will likely determine the course of his future. If convicted, he could spend decades behind bars, derailing any hopes of reviving an athletic career or pursuing other opportunities. On the other hand, the judicial process will allow him to mount a defense, and the coming weeks will reveal how his legal team approaches the case.
This story serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change. A young man once celebrated for his athletic potential now finds himself entangled in legal battles that could define the rest of his life. His September 11 court appearance will be closely watched, not only by those in Minnesota but also by the broader sports community that has followed his journey.
At just 20 years old, William David Frattalone’s name is now making headlines not for touchdowns or athletic feats but for an alleged crime involving luxury property and a high-stakes confrontation. As the case unfolds, the focus will remain on how the justice system addresses this troubling turn of events—and what lessons might be drawn from it for athletes navigating life beyond the field.