AMMON, ID – Five people were arrested Thursday following a scam operation that targeted shoppers in parking lots around Ammon, according to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a call at the Hobby Lobby parking lot shortly after 10 a.m. on October 30, after reports that multiple individuals were approaching people for donations through Venmo. The suspects matched descriptions from a similar incident at the Target parking lot a day earlier, where victims’ credit card information had been stolen.
During the investigation, deputies located a vehicle with Oregon license plates near Target on 25th East and conducted a traffic stop. Officers reported smelling marijuana inside the car, which was occupied by five adult males, one adult female, and a baby.
The front passenger, identified as 37-year-old Mario T. Sanders, allegedly attempted to swallow marijuana during the stop and was evaluated by medical personnel. Deputies seized marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and items connected to the scam, including printed flyers and multiple cell phones. Several Hydrocodone pills were also found in the wallet of the driver, 32-year-old Deandre D. Houston.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the group had been soliciting donations for fraudulent causes, including flyers referencing “Autism Awareness” and fictitious funeral funds for a child. Victims reported unauthorized electronic transactions and missing financial cards after providing information or making digital “donations.”
Sanders was charged with felony fraudulent use of a financial transaction card, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and destruction of evidence. Houston was booked for felony fraudulent use of a financial transaction card, possession of a controlled substance, and fugitive from justice due to an active warrant from Williamson County, Illinois, for felon in possession of a firearm.
Three additional suspects — 28-year-old Vontrel D. Rendles, 27-year-old Raymond S. Stokes, and 35-year-old Hollis P. Williams, all from Illinois — were arrested for felony fraudulent use of a financial transaction card. The woman and infant traveling with the group were released at the scene.
Deputies say the suspects primarily targeted older women, convincing them to share personal and financial information and to make payments through cash apps rather than cash. Authorities have identified similar scams across Idaho.
The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who may have encountered the suspects or fallen victim to the scheme to contact dispatch at 208-529-1200. Officials also remind residents to protect personal and financial data, verify fundraising causes, and monitor accounts for unauthorized transactions.
