Watertown, SD – Three individuals from Flint, Michigan, were arrested on Monday after attempting and successfully completing a fraudulent gas station scam in Watertown. The incident began when a local gas station manager was alerted by corporate headquarters about a similar scam in Fargo, N.D. The alert included images of the suspects and their vehicle.
The suspects initially attempted a fraudulent transaction at one gas station but were quickly denied. However, minutes later, they succeeded in using a fraudulent credit card at a second gas station in Watertown. They purchased $700 worth of lottery tickets with the card, which appeared legitimate but contained special instructions on the back. The instructions misled cashiers into processing the transaction as a cash sale, giving the false impression that payment had been completed.
Watertown police officers were able to locate the suspects shortly after the second incident. The suspects were detained, and officers discovered around $2,000 in cash along with several prepaid debit cards. The individuals arrested were identified as Joseph Lee Rivers, 19, Labriah Shaleemon Vincent, 20, and Hezekiah Meleke Vincent, 18. Rivers faces charges of Identity Theft, Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, Organized Retail Crime, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. Labriah and Hezekiah Vincent are charged with similar offenses, including aiding and abetting.
All three suspects are being held at the Codington County Detention Center, awaiting further proceedings. The Watertown Police Department urges businesses to stay alert for fraudulent activities and report any suspicious transactions.
