A man from Idaho was arrested after trying to scam a victim out of $10,000 in Osage Beach, Missouri, according to online court documents.
On February 27, 2025, the victim contacted 911 after meeting Kevin Austin, 45, in person to finalize the sale of a Copperhead XO Laser Concrete Screed Machine for $15,000. The victim had demonstrated the machine to Austin, and he handed over cash in exchange.
However, the victim soon realized that while $5,000 of the money was legitimate, the rest was counterfeit movie prop money. Austin claimed he would go to a bank to get the remaining funds, but instead, he drove away with the trailer attached to his truck.
Attempting to flee, Austin drove in the wrong direction on Osage Beach Parkway, prompting law enforcement to search for him. He was soon located and arrested.
Austin has been charged with one count of felony stealing. He is being held at the Camden County Jail with a bond set at $250,000.
