AITKIN COUNTY, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) Two McGrath residents face felonies in a reported $86,000 fake-gold swindle.
Court documents name Aron Lee Melton and Kristi Ann Fox, both of McGrath, Minnesota. Investigators say they used Facebook Marketplace listings. The posts used the name “Collect Cadillac.”
Authorities say the pair offered metal bars as payment in several deals. The bars were described as gold and platinum. A victim told investigators he accepted the bars for property.
The victim’s property included two mini skid steer loaders. It also included steel shipping containers, the complaint says. Investigators say the victim later learned the bars were fake.
Prosecutors charged both suspects with felony theft by swindle. They also charged both with felony counterfeiting intellectual property. Melton faces two additional felony counts for firearm possession. Records say he was barred from firearms after a violent-crime conviction.
Investigators say the trades brought the suspects’ equipment and cash. Court records place the total value near $86,000. The case is filed in Aitkin County District Court.
What the charges mean
Minnesota law treats swindling as a form of theft. You can read the statute at Minn. Stat. § 609.52.
The counterfeit charge covers fake marks tied to intellectual property. The statute is Minn. Stat. § 609.895.
The firearm counts tie to a ban on gun possession for some offenders. The statute is Minn. Stat. § 624.713.
How to follow the case
Readers can check updates through Minnesota Court Records Online. Search by the parties’ names. Some documents may require courthouse access.
Safety tips for high-value trades
Online marketplace deals can move fast. That speed can help scammers. The Minnesota Attorney General urges shoppers to slow down.
The Federal Trade Commission also warns about fake payments and pressure tactics.
Facebook also shares in-person meeting safety tips for Marketplace users.
- Meet in a public place with cameras.
- Bring another person when possible.
- Do not trade for bullion without testing first.
- Use platform tools and keep messages on-site.
- Walk away if the other party rushes you.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Busted