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Published on January 15, 2025
St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to $200K Online Fraud Using Prop MoneySource: Wikipedia/Maklay62, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

A St. Louis County man has admitted to defrauding online sellers of more than $200,000 by using movie prop money to purchase vehicles and other items. Aaron Montgomery, 41, pleaded guilty to multiple charges yesterday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office release.

Montgomery’s fraudulent activities began in August 2022, targeting at least 13 victims by negotiating online sales of vehicles and other goods. He arranged meetings at banks to make the transactions appear legitimate, but the cash he provided was counterfeit. The total amount defrauded from the victims was $229,200.

The stolen items included cars, SUVs, trucks, five pairs of Air Jordans, and audio equipment. Montgomery transported the stolen goods across state lines from Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee back to Missouri. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Secret Service.

Montgomery is scheduled for sentencing on May 22. He faces up to 51 months in prison and full restitution to the victims. The sentencing follows a plea deal between Montgomery's defense and prosecutors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf is handling the case.