A man from St. Louis County has confessed to defrauding at least 13 online sellers using movie prop money, resulting in losses amounting to $229,200. Aaron Montgomery, 41, residing in Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri, admitted his guilt on Tuesday to three counts of wire fraud and four counts of interstate transportation of stolen vehicles.
Montgomery's fraudulent activities began in August 2022. He targeted individuals selling vehicles or other property online by contacting them and negotiating a price. To create the illusion of a legitimate transaction, he arranged meetings often at banks and used "motion picture money" disguised as real currency inside bank envelopes or bags. After acquiring the property—which included cars, SUVs, trucks, five pairs of Air Jordans, and audio equipment—sellers realized they had received counterfeit money.
The investigation revealed that Montgomery transported at least five stolen vehicles from states including Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee back to Missouri.
His sentencing is set for May 22. Both prosecution and defense have agreed to recommend a prison term of 51 months along with full restitution for all victims involved.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf is leading the prosecution.