A St. Louis County man has confessed to defrauding at least 13 online sellers using movie prop money, resulting in losses amounting to $229,200. Aaron Montgomery, aged 41, from Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri, admitted guilt 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. After contacting the sellers and negotiating a price, he arranged meetings often at banks to give the appearance of legitimate transactions. During these meetings, Montgomery provided "motion picture money," also known as prop money, typically enclosed in a bank envelope or bag. He would then take possession of the property—which included cars, SUVs, trucks, five pairs of Air Jordans, and audio equipment—before the sellers realized they had been deceived.
The investigation revealed that Montgomery transported at least five stolen vehicles from Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee back to Missouri.
Montgomery is scheduled for sentencing on May 22. Both parties have agreed to recommend a prison sentence of 51 months along with full restitution to 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.