AMMON, Idaho — Several men from Illinois were arrested outside the Target parking lot in Ammon after residents reported being scammed and having their credit card information stolen, according to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were first called to the Hobby Lobby parking lot after reports of multiple men approaching shoppers and asking for Venmo donations to support two alleged causes.
One supposed fundraiser claimed to raise money for autism awareness, showing a photo of a child and a caption stating that the child and his grandmother had been shot on their way to school. Another was labeled the “James Hoover Funeral Fund.”
Victims later discovered missing credit and debit cards, along with unauthorized transactions on various cash apps. Deputies said the suspects refused cash and only accepted electronic or card payments.
Traffic Stop and Arrests
Reports indicated the group was traveling in a van with Oregon license plates. Deputies located the van and conducted a traffic stop near Hobby Lobby. During the stop, deputies noted a strong smell of marijuana, and one man — later identified as Mario T. Sanders, 37 — was seen eating a green leafy substance, later confirmed to be marijuana.
In total, five men, one woman, and a baby were inside the van. Deputies found marijuana, drug paraphernalia, multiple cell phones, and other items believed to have been used in the scam.
The driver, Deandre D. Houston, 32, was found with hydrocodone in his wallet and had an active warrant in Illinois for felon in possession of a firearm.
The other men were identified as:
Vontrel D. Rendles, 28
Raymond S. Stokes, 27
Hollis P. Williams, 35
Mario T. Sanders, 37
All five were charged with felony fraudulent use of a financial transaction card. Houston faces additional charges of possession of a controlled substance and fugitive from justice.
Scam Targeted Older Women
Investigators believe the group carried out similar scams across Idaho, primarily targeting older women. Victims were reportedly persuaded to share personal information, including emails and phone numbers, or even assisted suspects in making digital payments through their phones.
The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who may have been approached or fallen victim to this scam to call dispatch at (208) 529-1200 to speak with a deputy.
